Sheffield set for bumper St Patrick's Day festivities - Find out what's on

The festival to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint is seen as a huge boost for the city’s pub and club sector, increasing footfall and creating a vibrant atmosphere to push economic growth.

With live music, local ales and great food on offer, St Patrick’s Day in Sheffield is hoping to give a platform to independent breweries.

Kane Yeardley, owner of the Forum and Old House on Devonshire Street, said: “I’ve been running bars in Sheffield for 25 years. In that time the city has completely changed from open bar and clubs which set the scene and established Sheffield as a club destination in the 1990s, to a far greater and more varied bar, pub, food and club offer providing a unique and safe night out today.

“We come into our own as a city with celebrations such as St Patrick’s Day – just one example of independents and nationals in the city focusing on celebrating together. Sheffield’s well known independent venues such The Harley, Cubana, The Old House and The Frog and Parrot all have special St Patrick’s Day activities and there is a special family event the Big White Tent on Devonshire Green. This is a real community event where Sheffield’s Irish heritage group lead the party.”

With many today raising a pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey, Sheffield revellers can now enjoy a safer St Patrick’s Day.

Sheffield city centre is recognised nationally for providing both a great night out and a safe night out, having recently won three awards from Purple Flag.

A Purple Flag status is for a town or city centre that meets or surpasses the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy. Diane Jarvis, Sheffield Business Improvement District manager said: “Sheffield has a large student population and a workforce that want to feel able to enjoy themselves. It is our job to ensure that this can be done responsibly without spoiling the fun. Sheffield BID want to make it easy for people to find out what is on offer in the city centre on St Patrick’s Day.

WHAT’S ON AROUND THE CITY:

The Big White Tent on Devonshire Green

Anchor event for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Every year Sheffield hosts guests from Ireland as well as showcasing Sheffield’s rising talent.  

Cubana, Leopold Square Cocktail Lounge

Andy Bennett - guitarist from the legendary English band Ocean Colour Scene from 9-11pm.

Supported by Joel White with a blend of soul, blues, and jazz, from both classic and contemporary artists

Walkabout, Carver Street

Walkabout are celebrating the luck of the Irish with free hats with every pint of Guinness bought, classic Irish anthems and the chance to win a trip to Ireland with every Jameson & Ginger Ale or Jameson Barrel Back bought

Frog and Parrot, Division Street

Club Couture take on St Patrick’s Day at The Frog and Parrot, celebrating ‘Irish heroes’ like Paddy McGuinness, Andy Townsend and Jack Charlton.

BrewDog, Devonshire Street

The Crafty Devil brewery will be at BrewDog as part of Sheffield beer week on today, Thursday, showing off some amazing beer in kegs and bottles.

Old House, Devonshire Street

Open from noon on St Patrick’s Day for Irish stew, special cocktails, Irish Whisky and all the Guinness you want followed by an evening of live music starting at 6pm. 

Red Deer, Pitt Street

From 6pm The Red Deer will be hosting a Stancil Brewery takeover including a special ‘Meet the Brewer’ session.