Liverpool Irish festival line up announced

The full line-up for this year's Liverpool Irish Festival has been unveiled with organisers heralding a return to its musical roots.

The festival, now in its eighth year, celebrates the unique links between Liverpool and Ireland and features music, film, poetry, art, sport and educational events.

Musical highlights include Damien Dempsey with Amsterdam at the Stanley Theatre, Christy Moore and Brian Kennedy at the Philharmonic Hall and Sefton Park Palm House will play host to the London Lasses and Pete Quinn.

Comedian Dara O'Briain will take to the stage at the Philharmonic and the Contemporary Urban Centre will welcome dancer Colin Dunne and his Out of Time multi-disciplinary show.

The Cork Film Festival, Ireland's oldest and largest film festival, will present a programme of award winning short films over two days at FACT. Sports fans will get the chance to enjoy an adrenaline-packed game of Gaelic football at Greenbank Park.

A number of Liverpool's pubs are hosting traditional sessions and ceilis with organisers aiming to make the city come alive to the sounds of Irish music.

Jake Roney, festival director, said: "We're very proud of this year's line up and really think it has something for everyone.

"After eight years the festival has become something of an institution in Liverpool's cultural calendar but we've put a lot of effort into ensuring it has new, vibrant events along with old favourites.

"There is a big focus on music in 2010 - we've listened to the feedback of festival goers from the last few years and have increased the number of sessions in pubs around the city so as many people as possible can enjoy a Liverpool Irish Festival experience."

Education continues to play a key role in the festival with the return of heritage walking tours and talks and lectures at Liverpool University's Institute of Irish Studies.

The Liverpool Irish Festival runs from 15 - 31 October 2010. For ticket and event information please visit www.liverpoolirishfestival.com or call the festival hotline on 07804 286 145.