Leeds Irish Centre launches its 50th anniversary year celebrations

Leeds Irish Centre is firmly entrenched in the city’s history and culture, having always opened its doors, heart and arms for people of all religions and backgrounds.

Now, 2020 sees the centre celebrate its 50th anniversary and it wants people from across the globe with links and happy memories of it to get in touch.

And an array of musical, sporting, cultural events has been lined up over the golden year.

These include the return of the star of the original opening night in June 1970.

Brendan Shine was a 23-year-old singer on the rise when he and his show band took to the stage. Five decades on, the now veteran performer he will return to perform in June

alongside another Irish showbiz legend, Philomena Begley.

Tommy McLoughlin has managed the York Road venue for 45 of its 50 years and was master of ceremonies on its official opening night, said: "That will be a highlight of 10 days of celebrations. We are already getting calls from America and Australia to find out what is happening."

Darts also plays an important part of this month’s launch of the centre’s anniversary celebrations in recognition of the centre's long association with the sport.

A decade ago the centre was recognised as 'the birthplace of televised darts' and a blue plaque was unveiled there after a year-long campaign to have the venue's role officially recognised.

January 26 which marks the 50th anniversary of its first Sunday opening. And in tribute to its 1970s past, there will be a darts competition, card games and a snack bar along with the more traditional Celtic activities such as music and dance between noon and 5pm.

Liam Thompson, chairman of the centre’s committee, said he hopes the day will set the tone for the golden year.

"In the past the Irish came to dig the canals, the motorways and construct our buildings. Now you find those who come are educating our children, looking after our health, providing the legal services to the buildings and providing the finance. Irish DNA runs through the city likes the roads and canals our ancestors helped to build.

He added: "We often get three generations of a family in here and we want 2020 to celebrate our past while looking to the future. We want the younger generations to be proud of

those who paved the way before them. We are and this year is a tribute to our whole community."

* For details of all the centre’s anniversary events, check its website: theleedsirishcentre.co.uk or follow it on Twitter @LdsIrishCentre and Instagram

@leedsirishcentre