The main stage at Páirc Festival saw a lineup of music legends perform to thousands of festival attendees across the bank holiday weekend. From Van Morrison to Mary Black to The Waterboys, the stage was the home for those that have made huge contributions to the culture.
Nowhere was that more present than with the Páirc Awards, that took over the festival mainstage to honour the individuals that are stalwarts for the Irish community in Birmingham and beyond.
The first honoree was Joe Argue, recognised for his contributions as the CEO of the Birmingham Irish Cycle Appeal. The non-profit group takes on an annual cycling challenge to raise money for a variety of charities. Last year saw the group cycle 380 miles around Cyprus and this year, the group cycled from Mizen Head to Malin Head. The journey across Ireland took eight days and saw the group, including Joe, cycle 600 miles and raise over £100,000.
The second Páirc Award recipient was Martin Logan, the chief presenter and producer of the television show The Irish in the UK. Martin shows a commitment to telling the stories of the Irish in the UK, travelling around the country to shine a light on the individuals, groups, festivals and communities that celebrate and represent their heritage.
It was only right that these community stalwarts were both celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the culture and Páirc was thrilled to honour them at this year’s Páirc Awards.
For more about Páirc 2023 read our breakdown of the festival here.
And purchase your tickets to Páirc 2024 here.