Ronnie Wood reacts to performing with Van Morrison at Páirc Festival in Birmingham

Music fans at Páirc Festival got an added bonus with a surprise performance from Ronnie Wood on Saturday night (August 26).

The Rolling Stones legend appeared on stage alongside headliner Van Morrison at the Irish music and culture event at the Irish Centre in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

Blues and soul singer Chris Farlowe also joined the stars - he is best known for his hit single Out of Time written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards which made it to number one in 1966. Ronnie Wood has close ties to Birmingham, with his actress wife Sally hailing from Moseley.

This morning (Monday, August 28) Ronnie told how pleased he was to attend the festival, saying: “Thank you Van Morrison for a great night at Birmingham’s Páirc Festival. It was fantastic to play with you and our friend Chris Farlowe.

Thousands of people turned out to enjoy the two day music festival where a welcome was made about the full return of the St Patrick’s Parade to Digbeth next year on Sunday, March 17 - St Patrick’s Day itself. There will also be a mini Páirc Festival supporting the event.

 Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser was among the guests, with Conor McGregor Forged Irish Stout exclusively available for the first time outside his bar in Dublin in the VIP area. Boxer Ricky Hatton also appeared on stage to introduce Danny Darcy - the final act on Saturday. 

Sunday’s highlights included a sets from The Fureys, The High Kings, Nathan Carter and The Waterboys, including local Irish music legends Caidre and On The Sesh. In addition to the mini event for St Patrick’s Day, Páirc Festival has announced that it is returning for August Bank Holiday 2024. Organisers have released a limited number of Loyalty Super Early Bird tickets priced at just £35 offering attendees a 70% saving, available to purchase here: Páirc Festival website subject to availability ends Sunday 3rd September midnight.