GLOSSOP Irish folk band Whiskey in the Jar have won a place to headline one of the opening events of this year’s 2010 Manchester Irish Festival.

They are playing at a special free concert on Saturday March 6 which takes place at the Union Irish bar, in Levenshulme village.

The event is a special tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest musicians, Liam Clancy, who passed away on December 4 2009.

Liam was the youngest and last surviving member of Ireland’s legendary traditional super group The Clancy Brothers.

The group recorded 55 albums, achieving global sales of millions and appearing at sell out concerts all over the world.

There are a number of special guests performing with the band on the night.

Whiskey in the Jar member Jamie Knowles, from Glossop, said: "The band was named after our favourite Clancy brothers song, and after the sad demise of Liam we wanted to put on a tribute night in his honour and the Manchester Irish Festival seemed an ideal opportunity to stage such an event.

"Tommy Makem and the Clancy brothers are legends of the traditional Irish scene the world over and we are honoured to be involved with such an event.

"We have recently started a Facebook group for the event and it has had messages of support from all over the world.

"The band are really looking forward to the night which takes place on March 6 and would welcome any musician who wants to come along and take part in the tribute."

The free concert is part of the annual two week Tradfest, which is being staged in Levenshulme village for the city’s Irish Festival.

Other musicians who would like to get involved in the event can email the festival at info@manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

Admission to the special evening is free and the doors open at 8pm, with the live music starting at 8.30pm.

For more information about the event, log onto the website www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk