19 March. The Celtic Ball – Rome’s most important social occasion in Irish circles – takes place at the five-star Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi near Villa Borghese on Saturday 19 March at 19.30.

This year marks the 25th edition of the annual black-tie event in honour of St Patrick which begins with a prosecco reception and is followed by a five-course meal accompanied by live traditional Irish music.

The ticket price includes dinner, drinks and post-dinner live music that is guaranteed to keep revellers dancing until 03.00.

This year the proceeds from the evening go to Italian and Irish charities: Medici per i Diritti Umani and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Pre-paid tickets are €86 per person, or €90 at the door. For more information and to reserve tickets email irishclubofrome@gmail.com or see the event’s Facebook page.