About Us

Bristol Irish Society (BIS) was formed following a Public meeting in April 1989. The first Chairman was Mr Donal Higgins and the first Secretary was Mrs Amelia Dunford. In 2014 after 25 years of dedicated service, Amelia was inaugurated as the Society’s first President. Today the Society has 5 officers and a total of around 20 committee members. We are always looking for new members so please contact the Society either on the Facebook page or email bristolirishsociety@hotmail.co.uk. You would be required to attend around 6 meetings a year and help out with all events.

At present BIS organise various events throughout the year. We have a Spring and Autumn quiz (held at varying venues) and usually a fundraising dance, along with our very successful and hugely popular St Patrick’s Weekend Celebrations.

BIS organised the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bristol in the year 2000. Since then, this has become an annual event and it is always held on the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day. It is a brilliantly vibrant and colourful display of Irish and other cultures. In 2015, Bristol Samba Band joined us for the first time adding even more colour and vibrancy to the occasion. The Avon Glen Pipe Band has joined us every year since The Parade’s conception and they too are a wonderfully popular integral part of the Parade. Irish Dancers, Brownies and Guides, various floats and individuals walking and carrying flags all contribute with great community spirit. It is not to be missed!

For details on where the Parade takes place please see the Facebook page or keep an eye on the website. Details of next year’s parade will be announced soon.

BIS holds its annual St Patrick’s Day Dance the same weekend as the Parade. It varies from year to year whether it’s the Friday or Saturday night and venues and bands vary so please do keep an eye out for details.
BIS donates a considerable amount of money to charity each year. In recent years we have supported St Peter’s Hospice, Children’s Hospice South west, Alzheimer’s Society, Air Ambulance Society, Irish Cancer Society and The Pancreatic Cancer Society.

Please support us at our events if you can and if you require any further information or wish to join the committee please get in touch!

Thank you!