Imelda May and Paul Brady to perform at President Higgins State visit
Entertainment

Imelda May and Paul Brady to perform at President Higgins State visit

PAUL Brady, Imelda May, The Gloaming and Glen Hansard will be among those leading a concert in at the Royal Albert Hall on April 10 in honour of President Michael D Higgins.

This Thursday evening concert on April 10 is being billed as the cultural highlight of the four-day state visit to Britain by President Higgins.

Also participating will be the renowned actress Fiona Shaw as well as TV personalities Dermot O'Leary, Olivia O’Leary and author Joseph O’Connor.

This one-off concert will also feature some surprise guests on the night, organisers have said.

“A very creative programme has been put together for Ceiliúradh, this wonderful celebration of our two countries’ extensive ties,” Irish Ambassador to Britain Dan Mulhall said.

“Ireland and Britain are joined together by a two-way flow of influences in literature, theatre, music, song and dance. This event will celebrate the cultural connections between our two countries over the years.”

In addition to the individual artists who will contribute on the night there will also be a house band, featuring some of Ireland's finest musicians including Liam Bradley, John Carty, Anthony Drennan, Graham Henderson, Donal Lunny, Mike McGoldrick, Paul Moore, Caitlin NicGabhann, Mairtin O'Connor and Brendan Power.

The concert will be streamed live on RTÉ Radio 1.