1. The Shamrock Festival. Colchester Rugby Club, Mill Road. Tonight at 6pm until Saturday at 11pm. Tickets from £10. Click here.

INTERNATIONALLY-acclaimed Irish band Celtic Gypsys are flying direct from Dublin for the event which takes place across two days. Expect live music, Irish dancers and food, and plenty of the finest Guinness on tap.

Saturday from noon until 5pm, there will be much more of the same but with the England vs Ireland rugby match playing. 

The Shamrock Festival will be the first in a series of events planned by Colchester Rugby Club, Black Jacket Events and Wally Pack to help facilitate the forthcoming move of the rugby club to its new ground in 2019.

2. St Patrick's Day the Aussie way. Walkabout, Head Street.

WALKABOUT Colchester is painting the town green. Grab some close friends, family or partners, kick up your heels and get stuck in a spot of Irish dancing.

There is a full day of entertainment including a DJ, professional face painters, live sport and Irish decorations to get the complete Paddy’s Day experience.

Expect Guinness on tap and high stakes drama during the big RBS Six Nations clash, but also the Luck of the Irish competition will give you the chance to win free guestlist entries.

3. St Patrick's Day open meet. Colchester Swimming Club, Colchester Leisure World. March 25.

AS a nod to the special day, Colchester Swimming Club is hosting an open meet for nine-year-old swimmers up to the age of 15-plus. On-the-day entries will be accepted.

For more information, click here.

4. The Green Party. Aveley Lodge Care Home, Abberton Road. Free.

THIS Colchester care home is opening its doors and turning the place green for a Irish-themed celebration.

Food will be served from 12.30pm onwards and the only rule is to wear something the obvious colour.

Call 01206 729304 for more information.

...and this event just happens to be taking place on the same day.

5. Valuation session. Moot Hall, Colchester Town Hall, High Street. Free entry.

IS there something you own you have been waiting to get valued? Go along to Reeman Dansie's valuation session, where you can find out more about your items and get them valued for £3.

The event is being organised by Colchester Events.