Saint Pat’s event dances back into town

THE Central Victorian Irish Association is putting on a concert at the Bendigo Library on St Patrick’s Day titled A Golden Hour of Irish Music, Culture, and Song.

“They will be singing a mixture of Irish folk songs, some of which are centuries old, Irish ballads and Irish art songs,” said director John Clancy. “Probably one of the highlights will be the Irish dancing.

“It’s the first time in six years since the Central Victorian Irish Association has put on a concert for Saint Patrick’s Day.”

The last time something like this took place was in 2016 at Bendigo South East College’s theatre to commemorate the 1916 rising in Dublin.

“That was a fairly major type of concert,” said Clancy. “I think we got about 100-120 people for that one.

“Those concerts took place in the evening whereas this is taking place on a weekday and also because we’ve had that break of about six years. This one’s a little more low-key.”

Clancy said the Central Victorian Irish Association has about 35 to 40 members across “a fairly broad spectrum.”

“Most of them would be middle-aged to older people, but we do have a few younger people as well who are interested in Irish culture and Irish music,” he said.

A Golden Hour of Irish Music, Culture, and Song is set for Bendigo Library on St Patrick’s Day, Friday, 17 March with the show starting at 3.30pm.

Admission to the event is free, although Clancy said there will be a donation box to help the organisation put on other concerts in central Victoria, should concert-goers wish to show their support.