Tidy Up Greenbank Playing Fields TODAY!

My partner and I love Greenbank Playing Fields. We take the dog there every day and go running there. It's great to see other people enjoying this excellent public space, too. In the last fortnight, I have seen several runners doing laps of the field, people exercising their dogs, kids playing football and cricket, and parents and children enjoying games of football. Now the sun is shining, it is a particularly lovely place to visit.

It's going to look even more lovely, thanks to the Greenbank Residents' Association, who are holding a "tidy up" and seed planting session from 12:00 noon today. Just pop along to the fields and volunteer. They have rubbish bags and some tools, but feel free to take your own along. Make sure you wear gloves and sensible footwear.

Uke Up!

This Sunday sees the first Levenshulme Uke Up. Given the buzz that's going around about it, it could very well turn into a regular thing.

Just bring your ukulele and join in! Everyone is welcome, from beginners to dab hands and everything in between. There's even a songbook online that you can print off and bring with you on the night.

It's happening this Sunday 25^th March from 7pm at Pod Deli, Albert Road, Levenshulme.

More info and download the songbook at http://levenshulmeukeup.tumblr.com/

Post Written by Lou Armer

Coming Up In April from the Levenshulme Players

After a superb revue in January and some excellent radio plays recently, Levenshulme's brilliant drama group are forging ahead with their programme of dramatic delights with performances of two one-act plays by local writer Bill Mitton at St Mary's Church Hall on 14th and 15th April.

Further details will be provided in due course, but in the meantime, have a look at their website for more information.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 17: Mother's Day

Hope you had a fantastic St. Patrick's Day yesterday. I always enjoy a few gulps of Guinness and well, what better excuse than 17th March?

Today, most of you will probably feel like having a bit of a rest - but if you fancy a spot of singing, get down to the Union for some karaoke. It starts at 4pm.

Later on, at the Horseshoe, there's a special Mother's Day celebration with The Irish Rovers.

For those amongst you who can't resist just another night out - and, after all, it is the final day of the festival! - there is another club night on at M19, starting at 8pm.

We hope you've had a thoroughly enjoyable Irish Festival - and, of course, a lovely Mother's Day!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 16: HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Yes! It's finally here! The day on which Irish eyes smile and Irish hearts sing, whether you're Irish or not. There's a massive amount of revelry going on all across Manchester today (and Dublin, Galway, London, New York, and...ooh, everywhere!) but if you want to stay within staggering distance of home, there's plenty going on in Levy.

Pop into the library for a cup of coffee at 10:30 a.m.! You'll need it, because from 11 am, you're spoilt for choice.

You could go to St Mary's for a special Mass, conducted by Fr. John Ahern, followed by breakfast and entertainment at the Parish Centre (admission: £5).

Alternatively, head straight to the St. Patrick's Day party at the Union. The fun lasts all day, with football, rugby (England v Ireland - which is also being shown at Hennigan's Bar across the road), plenty of the velvety liquid black stuff, Irish music with Jack Badcock and Ciaran Ryan, plus a disco.

Next door at M19, there's another massive party that starts at 2pm and goes on until 2am. Happy clubbing!

Music is also playing at the Horseshoe, with DJ Andy Murphy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 15: St Patrick's Eve!

The Big Day is almost here! Tonight, to get you in the mood for St. Patrick's Day (as if that were needed), Bar M19 is hosting a Tradfest with Claire Mooney and special guests "The Moving House Band", featuring lively flute from John Gibson and vocals from Dave Puller. Fancy getting up to jam? Ms. Mooney might invite you on stage! This special event is in the cosy surroundings of the first floor room. Get there in good time. Tickets for this are £5 on the door and it's an 8pm start.

If dancing is more your thing, go around the corner to the Horseshoe, where the Reel Rhythms Dance Troupe and Shake The Barley are providing the entertainment. Free of charge, this event also starts at 8pm.

At the Union, there is another free event: karaoke! This is also free, and starts at 9pm. Sing your heart out!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 14: Racing and Darts

There are masses of of musical events in the Festival and tonight is no exception: Sinead O'Connor is playing the Cathedral! There's also a play and some live music at O'Shea's on Princess Street. The arts theme continues in full flow at the Irish World Heritage Centre, in Cheetham Hill, with "The Irish Almanac", featuring readings, drama, music, song and dance from the Manchester Irish Writers. As if that weren't enough, there's also a comedy night at the Frog and Bucket, featuring Martin Mor, Dave Williams, Grainne Maguire, Paul Ricketts and Caimh McDonnell.

All the above are, of course, a few miles away from Levy, which is taking a well-earned break from the musical events today after the Tradfests, sessions and film screenings! Don't fancy a trip into the city centre but like horse racing and darts? Today's a great day.

If you haven't managed to get down to Cheltenham to watch the racing - and, let's face it, it's quite a trek! - you need venture no further than Hennigan's Sports Bar to see the action live. Coverage starts at 11:30 a.m. and entry is free.

At 8pm, the single darts competition is on at the Union. Why not have a go? Again, it's free to get in.

More musical events are coming up in the next few days - and, of course, it's St Patrick's Day on Saturday!

Affordable Threads Sale Tomorrow at Trove

Mcr Irish Festival Day 13: Musical Levy

If you can't make it to the Opera House on Quay Street to see The Dubliners in concert tonight, don't worry - Levenshulme has two cool musical events happening tonight! Both are free and both start at 8:00 pm.

At The Union, the Tradfest Irish Session is on, featuring Grace Kelly and Friends. This is described in the MIF programme as "one of the best Irish sessions in Manchester"!

Meanwhile, at the Horseshoe, Living Tradition are also having a Trad night. You can get up and have a sing or play, too.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 12: Horse Racing and Soul

Fancy watching the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival? Get down to Hennigan's Sports Bar today at 11:30 a.m.! It's in full HD.

This evening, at St Mary's Parish Centre, there is a screening of The Commitments! It's a fantastic film with loads of soul music and, if I remember correctly, some uproariously funny moments. It's on at 7:00 pm and the £2.50 entrance fee includes Irish stew and soda bread. Enjoy!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 11: Laugher and Relaxation

Well, the weather held up for that parade yesterday - absolutely fantastic!

If the post-parade partying didn't wear you out, there's an Irish comedy special going on in town at the Frog and Bucket tonight, starting at 7pm for a mere £3!

In Levenshulme, it's a chance to relax and unwind before more events start again tomorrow. If you're over 50, why not go to St Mary's Parish Centre for the pre-St.Patrick's Day Party? It starts at 12:00 noon and is free to attend. Should be great.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 10: Parade!

It's not St. Patrick's Day today but the St Patrick's Parade is going ahead in Manchester. Let's hope it's nice weather! It starts at 10am with Mass, in Gaelic, at the Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill. The parade itself starts at 11:30.

Later on, in Levenshulme, there are a few things going on to continue the celebrations:

At The Union, from 4pm to 7pm, there is a post-parade "Tradfest" with Steven Doyle, followed by karaoke with Ronnie, from 8pm to midnight.

At Bar M19, also from 4 until 7, there is an acoustic set from Peel Your Own Spuds, as well as music from Jack Badcock, Ciaran Ryan and more. Oh yes, and some dancing! The fun continues from 8pm until 1:30 am, with a club night.

The Horseshoe is also hosting a parade after-party with DJ Andy Murphy. This starts at 8pm.

Oh, and did I mention that entry to all the above is FREE?

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 9: Six Nations!

A bit more excitement for you: Ireland vs. Scotland in the Six Nations! You can see it today, at Hennigan's Bar. Kick off is at 5pm so if you want a decent view and somewhere to sit, get down there a bit earlier.

Across the road at the Union, there is the YGG Irish Music and Dance Concert with Reel Rhythms and Shake The Barley. This event is sponsored by the Manchester Mayo Tourism Group and features traditional Irish music and the best Irish dance, all for £7 on the door (start: 7:30 pm) - but tickets are very limited, so if you didn't get an advance ticket, you'll be very lucky to get in!

Just around the corner, at the Horseshoe, there is some more Irish music with Lockin (Kevin Deasy plus guests).

Mcr Irish Festival Day 8: Paintings at Isis

Another exhibition is on in Levenshulme! From today until Sunday 18^th March, you can view watercolour paintings of scenes from several places in Ireland by Mike Lyons. The exhibition is on at the Isis cafe and is launched at 7pm this evening. Admission is free.

From 9pm, there is another Irish karaoke night at the Union, so if you had a go last week and fancy belting out some more tunes, get down there! It’s free to get in and it’s bound to be great fun.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Happy International Womens Day!

Ladies of Levenshulme- it’s time to celebrate International Womens Day!

Click here for a link to the International Womens Week in Levenshulme flyer.  There are lots of events on all week, and a special film showing tonight at Inspire.  

Tonight the film ‘Potiche’ is being shown at 7pm.  A French cult classic by all accounts;

Suzanne is "Potiche"; a beautiful, subservient wife dedicated to serving the selfish whims of her tyrannical husband. But after the exploited workers of his umbrella factory decide to strike, Suzanne takes on the role as head of the company to great success. Although business and personal politics are about to collide with the arrival of Maurice, a charming union leader and a former lover of Suzanne's. 

The usual meal deal & film offer is on... Get a panini or pizza plus salad, wedges and a hot drink / a glass of wine / bottle of beer, all for £7.50.

Potiche.  Starring Catherine Deneuve

Mcr Irish Festival Day 7: Darts at the Union, Market in Albert Square

After an action packed few days, it’s time to indulge in some sport! Don’t worry – it’s not strenuous, but you will need to concentrate and it requires very good hand-eye co-ordination. Yes, it’s the Manchester Irish Festival Darts Competition for single players tonight, starting at 8:00 p.m. Come down, have a pint and register on the night if you fancy firing some arrows. Or you could just watch.

Further up the road, in the city centre – on Albert Square, to be exact – it’s the Irish Market! Starting today, it lasts until Sunday and is open from 9am until 6pm. Now the evenings are lighter, this will doubtless attract a few people who have just finished work. There’s an ale bar and a leprechaun’s house. Worth a visit just for those two things, I reckon!

Mcr Irish Festival Day 6: Live Broadcast and Film Premiere!

Tonight, Levenshulme gets the red carpet treatment. The Union Inn and Bar M19 will resemble a cross between Leicester Square and Broadcasting House with everything that’s going on: a live radio show, a session of Irish music and the UK premiere of “Beautiful People”, a documentary about the musicians behind New York’s longest-running Irish music session.

The fun starts at 6:30 pm ,at the Union, when the doors open to a live outside broadcast from 7:00 until 9:00, with ALL FM’s Joe Casserley and the Full Irish team. Joe and his fellow broadcasters will be very familiar to anyone who listens to their regular show on ALL FM, which is always packed with beautiful Irish music – and in this case, the music is live!

The music doesn’t stop when the mic is taken off air, either. Following the radio show, there is a special Irish music session with Grace Kelly and friends. Bring along your instruments and have a jam.

Next door, also at 7:00, the VIP screening of Beautiful People (directed by Elzbieta Szoka, who is coming to this Levenshulme screening, all the way from New York) is taking place. Sponsored by Guinness, places at this event - which features a warm-up gig - are strictly limited, but perhaps a pair of lucky Levenshulme residents will have won free tickets by emailing the Festival Press Office, as advertised in the brochure! If you don’t get to see it at its UK premiere, don’t worry – Martin and Annette from the Full Irish will, next door, be interviewing some of the people involved. You can also purchase the film on the website.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 5: Film Night!

Fancy a trip to the pictures to see an Oscar-winning film but don’t want the hassle of travelling to Parrs Wood, the Cornerhouse or the Printworks?

Come down to St Mary’s Parish Centre tonight and see a classic Irish film. The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, will be screened tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Don’t worry if you haven’t had your tea, because Irish stew and soda bread is on the menu. Much better than popcorn, I’m sure you’ll agree – and it’s included in the admission price, which is a wallet-friendly £2.50.

More details on the Manchester Irish Festival website.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 4: Celtic Community Crafts

Levenshulme is a place that has a lot of arts, crafts and other assorted creativity going on. As part of the Irish Festival, the Irish Community Care Over 50s’ Group is holding a craft group at St. Mary’s Parish Centre today at noon (free admission). You don’t have to be nimble-fingered with a knitting needle – if you just fancy a chat, have a stroll down there and enjoy the friendly surroundings.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 3: Lift Your Spirit!

Can you handle yet another night of clubbing before the start of the new week? Why not! M19 is putting on DJ Tom Dee again from 8pm tonight, whilst next door at the Union, starting at 4pm, there is an Irish sing-along and karaoke session with DJ Ronnie. What a great way to enjoy these lovely, long evenings.

If you’re up and about earlier than that and are looking for something to lift your spirits, how about a church service at St. Peter’s? Today’s service at 11am does not feature Holy Communion and, in the typical Levenshulme fashion that we know and love, is open to all who wish to enjoy some Irish Christian inspiration and hymns.

Have a look at the Manchester Irish Festival website for full details, including Festival events throughout Manchester and its neighbouring areas.

Mcr Irish Festival Day 2: Bob Down To The Union

It’s the second day of this year’s Manchester Irish Festival and if you missed the clubbing at M19 last night (or if you loved it so much, you want to do it again!), don’t worry – it’s on again tonight from 8pm with Palace DJ Tom Dee. It goes on until 2am and, like last night, entry is FREE before 11:30.

Next door at the Union, there is some traditional Irish music with Mixi Toal and friends. It starts at 9pm and entry is free. Before the gig, why not check out the pictures in the I Love MCR MAYO Photography Exhibition? The photos will be up throughout the festival.

The highlight of the Levenshulme events in the Festival programme tonight, though, has to be the Bob Dylan and Clancy Brothers Tribute Night, which starts at 7:30 pm in Bar M19. Whilst people are dancing on the ground floor, you can enjoy - for a mere fiver! - a packed bill of excellent musicians in the sumptuous surroundings of the upstairs function suite, headlined by the soulful Graham Robins.

Full details – as well as what’s going on elsewhere in the city - can be found on the Manchester Irish Festival website.

And it's here!

Crikey, it seems like only the other day when I posted about the forthcoming Manchester Irish Festival and now, here we are. It’s the start of a new month and the Guinness will be in full flow for the celebrations from now until the 18^th!

For us Levyites, the opening night can be celebrated at the M19 Bar with DJ Tom Dee, from 8pm until 2am. Arrive before 11:30 pm and get in free.

If the jollity has taken you over to the extent that you want to indulge in more active participation, why not pop next door? The Union Inn has an Irish karaoke night on, with DJ Ronnie. I’m sure there will be plenty of whiskey in the jar. Again, it’s free to get in.

Before you lose the ability to focus – and then attempt to stand up on stage and do your best Phil Lynott, Bono or Sinead O’Connor impression – you may be interested in the lovely photo exhibition that is also situated in the Union. The “I Love MCR MAYO” Photography Exhibition features work by Richenda Barrett as well as the Manchester Irish Festival Collective’s highlights of the Manchester Irish Festival that have been captured on film for the past seventeen years. The exhibition runs during the whole festival, so there’s plenty of time to catch it – although you’ll be having so much fun at the various events lined up in the next couple of weeks, St Patrick’s Day will be upon us before we know it.

Keep checking Love Levenshulme for highlights of the festival, particularly the events held in our neighbourhood. If you attend an event, why not write a few lines about it? Drop us an email!