On these evenings the facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green in conjunction with the start of Birmingham's St Patrick's Day Festival (Sunday) and to mark St. Patrick's Day (Tuesday).

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped, but returned about 432 to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on 17 March 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts.

Article added 13 March 2020