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LIF'11 KAN in Concert, Palm House, Sefton Park

KAN, comprising Brian Finnegan on flutes & whistles, Aidan O'Rouke on fiddle, Ian Stephenson on guitar and Jim Goodwin on drums, entertained an appreciative audience in the Palm House, which took on a magical look, lit up against the dark of the night. The gig brought the 2011 Liverpool Irish Festival to a rousing close - only a year to wait now to the next one!

Oct 30, 2011

Photos: 41

LIF'11 Comhaltas Young People's Concert & Family Ceili in the Palm House

The young members of the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann orchestra enjoyed the splendor of the setting, as did the audience, who were treated to a collection of popular Irish pieces.The concert was followed by the Family Ceili which found many enthusiastic people of all ages joining in the dances and throughly enjoying themselves in the process! The fast falling light, with the equally fast moving dancers, was quite a challenge, photographic-wise though!

Oct 30, 2011

Photos: 59

LIF'11 Heritage Walking Tour of Scotty Road

A much awaited addition to the popular Liverpool Irish Heritage Walking Tours portfolio. On a cool and grey day an expectant group gathered for this new walk. Although `progress' has removed some of the historic buildings, the team more than made up by filling in with interesting facts and anecdotes. And the walk ended in a most interesting place, one I was totally unaware of! It was a walk well worth going on, and enjoyed by the group.

Oct 29, 2011

Photos: 52

LIF'11 `The Brother' at The Fly in the Loaf

Two men in a Dublin pub . . . a one act play by Flann O'Brien, performed by David Llewellyn and Gerry Smyth. The audience were thoroughly entertained by the actors, with the clever and funny dialogue going down a storm. For a short play with only two actors, and mostly tied down to the pub table, they managed to produce a fantastic variety of interactions!

Oct 29, 2011

Photos: 36

LIF'11 The Festival Club, Upstairs at Flanagan's Apple

An evening of quizzes, music, poetry and storytelling organised by members of the Liverpool Irish Festival.

Oct 27, 2011

Photos: 27

LIF'11 The Raiding Party, St George's Hall Concert Room

The Raiding Party was a concert held in the magnificient Concert Room at St George's Hall. The gig comprised 2 alternative Celtic bands - Calan, from Wales, kicked off a night of interesting selection of music. After the interval, Breabach, the Scottish band, took the stage filling the room with exciting strains of the bagpipes.

Oct 23, 2011

Photos: 66

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-0 The Bluecoat

A day long Celebration Event held in the interesting surroundings of The Bluecoat, comprising a most entertaining mix of music, dance, performance and history, all with Liverpool Irish associations.

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 1

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-1 Music in The Hub

As soon as visitors step into the main foyer of The Bluecoat (the Hub) they are welcomed by the music performance of Chris Boland, Fiona McConnell and Friends

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 17

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-2 Discovering the Liverpool Irish Project

A talk is given by Gregg Quiery in the Library Room discussing the history and aspects of the Liverpool Irish Project

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 5

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-3 Family History Information

In the Sandon Room throughout the day the Irish Community Care Mersyside organisation had members available to help answer questions from the public about the history of the Irish families in Liverpool and Ireland. There were displays showing some of the research they had undertaken.

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 8

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-4 The Death of Charles Wootton

A moving play based around the true story of the killing of Charles Wooton, during the racial riots of June 1919. Charles, a 24 year old black ship's fireman who was not involved in the riots but actually trying to escape them, was neverthless chased, first by the police and then by an enraged mob into the King's Dock. Here he either jumped or was thrown into the water and then pelted with rocks and bricks which struck him unconcious and caused him to drown. No one was ever convicted of his killing.

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 8

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-5 Insanity Hurts

A rap poetry perfomance by Joey Walsh and Saul Williams

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 12

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-6 Mike Boyle's Liverpool Story

A narration of the multicultural history of Liverpool, interwoven with his own family history, from the research done by Mike Boyle

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 5

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-7 More Music in The Hub

Another music session in The Hub

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 7

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-8 Storytelling by Kate Corkery

Kate narrates her story of the Brewery of Eggshells whilst members of the audience contribute their stories too

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 15

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-9 Set Dancing

It is time to put on the dancing shoes - the public are invited to participate in Irish Set Dancing, with music provided by the Liverpool Ceili Band

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 19

1LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-10 Ceili Dance Performance

Now it is time for the colourful and breath-taking performances by the dancers from Lynda Duffy Merriman's GDM Academy of Irish Dance as they take their turn the stage, to the delight of the audience!

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 34

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-11 Join In the Ceili Dance

After the polished performances of the young dancers, the audience are invited to take their turn on the dance floor

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 21

LIF'11 Discovering the Liverpool Irish-12 The Death of Charles Wootton

A second performance of the play closes the day of events and celebrations of everything Irish - and what a busy, interesting and ultimately pleasantly tiring day it has been!

Oct 22, 2011

Photos: 15

LIF'11 The Irish Sea Sessions at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Following the popular inaugural concert last year, the auditorium of the Philharmonic was packed out with an eager audience. We were treated to an eclectic selection of music & song, with a bit of dance thrown in too! Log into www.irishseasessions.com website for a copy of the set and list of performers, along with more information about the sessions.

Oct 21, 2011

Photos: 99

LIF'11 The Speech Project at the Capstone

A mesmerising performance incoporating extracts of spoken words from various Irish folk musicians interleaved with music specially composed by Gerry Diver, emphasising key phrases of the recorded interviews. In the background was a video projection comprising a mix of the interviewees and associated scenes. What made it even more special was the fact that it was also the World Premiere presentation of the work. Before the main show the audience was given a taste of the forthcoming Irish Sea Sessions concert (at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall) by a rousing preformance from Alan Burke.

Oct 20, 2011

Photos: 47

LIF'11 More Comings & Goings at Albert Dock

Different day, same play, different view point!

Oct 16, 2011

Photos: 18

LIF'11 Comhaltas onboard the Kathleen & May

As the Comhaltas band move around different locations in the Albert Dock, they are invited to perform onboard the Kathleen & May, anchored in the Canning Dock. Kathleen & May is the last example of a wooden hulled 3 masted schooner and was a perfect platform for the Comhaltas band to perform on, the crowds on the quayside with the Liver Building and the Custom House forming part of the backdrop, though now rather obscured by the new Mann Island monstrous wedge!

Oct 16, 2011

Photos: 20

LIF'11-1 Comhaltas at Albert Dock

Saturday is the first of two days of celebration of things Irish at the Albert Dock and what a fantastic early autumn day it turned out! Musicians of the Merseyside Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann entertain the crowd at different parts of the Albert Dock through out the gloriously warm sunny day.

Oct 15, 2011

Photos: 12

LIF'11-2 Comings & Goings at Albert Dock WEB

The enthusiastic cast of actors from Hope Street Ltd, directed by Paula Simms, re-enact scenes from the period of the Great Potato Famine of 1845-1862 which lead to mass migration from Ireland to all corners of the world. Liverpool played a huge part in this by being the gateway into the mainland and also the embarkation port for those on their way to the other continents. The company of actors put on performances, on the hour, on board the sailing ship Zebu and the quayside, depicting the different aspects the migrants had to endure. The crowd shared in their emotions of horror, fright, hope and joy as the journey progressed through out the day. A most fantastic production, and with such a fabulous backdrop of the Dock!

Oct 15, 2011

Photos: 68

LIF'11-3 Irish Dancing at Albert Dock

Dancers from the Bolger Cunningham School of Irish Dance and the George Ferguson Dancers charmed the crowds at different venues including the Anchor Courtyard and outside the Maritime Museum. The blazing sunshine made it a most colourful event.

Oct 15, 2011

Photos: 7

LIF'11 Traditional Music Session at Peter Kavanagh's

As usual, it is a popular fixture in the festival calendar, resulting in a packed pub! The audience is treated to a mix of music, songs and recitation.

Oct 14, 2011

Photos: 6

LIF 2011 Launch Night at the Rodewald Suite

It is that time of year again and we are gathered in the Rodewald Suite of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for the Launch Party of the 2011 Liverpool Irish Festival. Following the welcoming and introductory speeches we are treated to the ever popular sausage, ribs and mash supper. Well fed, we settle down to the entertainment put on by a selection of performers, giving us a taste of the events to come.

Oct 12, 2011

Photos: 32

LIF'10 Liverpool Acoustic Live at View 2 Gallery

A second visit to the View 2 Gallery, to a series of performances by contemporary Irish singer/songwriters. Gary Maginnis kicked off the evening and was followed by Dave O'Grady. After the break Ronan Boyle took the stage and Celine Carroll then came on performing her work, accompanying herself on guitar and piano.

Oct 29, 2010

Photos: 42

LIF'10 Congress at O'Neill's

A second appearance at O'Neill's on Hanover Street by Congress, a collective of musicians from Ireland and Northern England, comprising Skirm (vocals, guitar), Danny Cameron (accordion), Cormac Byrne (percussion), Pol Dalaigh (flute, whistle) and Anthony Haller (double bass). They were enthusiastically accompanied by a host of dancers, much encouraged by their friends in the audience!

Oct 27, 2010

Photos: 14

LIF'10 Mellowtone at View 2 Gallery

A presentation at this City based gallery space on Mathew Street, providing a good venue for the small group performances arranged by Mellowtone to highlight the Irish connections of the acts. The evening was compared by Stan Ambrose, a host of the longest running folk music show on UK radio, who also performed pieces on his Celtic Harp. An infectious performance from Dave Owen followed, before Atlantic Massey entertained the audience with their mix of Irish-tinged folk-rock.

Oct 27, 2010

Photos: 68

LIF'10 Traditional Music Session at The Edinburgh

The second of the two Festival Sessions held in this cosy, compact local pub. A core of talented and dedicated local musicians turn up every Monday night throughout the year to enjoy each others company and share in the music making, keeping traditional Irish tunes alive in this Liverpool suburb. A mixture of regular and occasional visiting musicians can often be found dropping by, joining in with the performances.

Oct 25, 2010

Photos: 40

LIF'10 Traditional Music Session at the Casa

After a well received Irish Sea Sessions concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a gathering of local musicians, along with a group of visitors from Armagh, get together in the back room of The Casa and treat the audience to a fine mix of music and songs.

Oct 22, 2010

Photos: 37

LIF'10 Capital Nights Part One at the Capstone

In conjunction with the Mersey Dance Institute, the audience was treated to dance performances, sometimes surprising, sometimes exciting, sometimes wonderfully fluid, sometimes questioning, but always done with great commitment. The first piece was Fallout by Dylan Quinn, followed by Standing in Ink by Daghda Dance. After the interval we were treated to 3 of the 5 suites of 12 Minute Dances by Rex Levitates - the LIF brochure incorrectly listed Unsung as the performance title.

Oct 19, 2010

Photos: 52

LIF'10 Joseph O'Connor & Lizzie Nunnery at the Bluecoat

Held in the Performance Space in the Bluecoat, in conjunction with the Chapter & Verse Festival, these two author/playrights discussed their recent works, with Lizzie, who is also a singer/musician, also performing some of her songs. Afterwards, following a question & answer session, both retired to the restaurant area to sign copies of their work.

Oct 17, 2010

Photos: 18

LIF'10 Heritage Walking Tour - North City

The first Irish Heritage Walking Tour of this season started off with a touch of sadness for me, as I remembered the previous years when Ian McKeane partnered Greg Quiery, and both shared their joint knowledge and enthusiasm on the interesting Irish connections with parts of the city. I am sure Greg too must have had similar feelings. Although he had to bear the full responsiblity this time, Greg did a great job holding the attention of the crowd throughout the walk.The popularity of these walks seem to increase every year and this, as well as the following three other walks, were well attended.

Oct 16, 2010

Photos: 62

LIF'10 London Lasses & Pete Quinn at the Palm House

A magical night setting for a great gig by The London Lasses and Liverpool Lad Pete Quinn. This was the first time the Palm House in Sefton Park played host to an Liverpool Irish Festival event. The band members are Karen Ryan (fiddle & mandola), Elaine Cornwall (fiddle), Maureen Linane (accordion), Elma McElligot (flute), Brona McVittie (vocals & harp) and Pete Quinn (keyboard). They were also joined by a couple of guests during the performance.

Oct 16, 2010

Photos: 62

LIF'10_ Launch at the Rodewald Suite

The 2010 Liverpool Irish Festival, the 8th Annual Event, is launched in the Rodewald Suite at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. As has been traditional, a sausage and mash (with a selection of ribs too) dinner was enjoyed by the invited guests. John Chandler, the Chair of the Festival, warmly welcomed all, followed by a tribute from Greg Quiery, in memory of Ian McKeane, one of the stalwarts of the previous years, who sadly passed away recently. Jake Roney then outlined some of the highlights of this year's lineup. Tthe audience was treated to humourous recitations and music to round off the evening.

Oct 14, 2010

Photos: 42

All Star Concert at St Bride's Church

The last main event of the 2009 Liverpool Irish Festival.

Oct 31, 2009

Photos: 62

Youth of the North at The Casa

Young musicians of Comhaltas Ceolori Eireann showcase their talent in this performance at The Casa. Apologies for strange colour cast in some pictures - lighting in the room consited of low bay orange sodium lights, which produce awful colour output, resulting in much tedious work trying to eliminate the orange light! Almost had to resort to monochrome conversions of all the pictures (as those in the Rodewald set) but perserverance finally paid off & managed to find reasonable solutions to removing most of the orange lighting effects.

Oct 25, 2009

Photos: 48

Looking Back at 1919 - A Talk by Dr McKeane & Cathy Davies

Dr Ian McKeane & Cathy Davies discuss the events of January 1919 which led on to the First Independent Dail (Parliament).

Oct 24, 2009

Photos: 12

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill in Concert

Martin & Dennis perform in St George's Hall Concert Room

Oct 24, 2009

Photos: 10

Heritage Walk at the Cathedral of Christ The King

Oct 24, 2009

Photos: 1

Anthony John Clarke & Guests at St Michael's Irish Centre

Anthony John Clarke with his Band in concert at the Irish Centre. Support provided by local talent Brendan Fahey, Fiona McConnell and Bruce Scott

Oct 23, 2009

Photos: 52

Traditional Music Session

Gathering of musicians at the Rodewald Suite in the Philharmonic Hall for an evening of sharing & playing a selection of Irish tunes, song and poetry! After frustrating hours of trying to correct the very magenta/purple lighting in the room (those there will remember) I finally decided the set looks better in monochrome anyway - and is therefore presented so. Hope you all agree - otherwise we can have magenta faces instead!

Oct 23, 2009

Photos: 76

The Irish in Latin America - A Cultural History

Patrick O'Sullivan stands in for Edundo Murray at the El Rinco Latino to present a fascinating history of the Irish in South America, supported by a fascinating Irish and Latin Music Band!

Oct 22, 2009

Photos: 95

When God Took Sides - Presentation by Prof Marieanne Elliott

Untangling the complexities of Ireland's Past & Present - Launch of Prof Elliott's book 'When God took Sides' at the Institue of Irish Studies, Liverpool

Oct 21, 2009

Photos: 24

Finding the Liverpool Irish - South City Heritage Walk

Oct 18, 2009

Photos: 49

Finding the Liverpool Irish - North City Heritage Walk

Dr Ian McKeane & Greg Quiery at the start of the walk from St Luke's Gardens

Oct 17, 2009

Photos: 4

Tunin' up the Town

A band of musicians play selections of Irish music to entertain the public at St Luke's, The Bluecoat Courtyard and in Liverpool One

Oct 17, 2009

Photos: 38

`Speaking ill of the dead' - Photo Exhibition by Rob Vance

Robert Vance introduces his photographs on exhibition in the 3rd Room at The Everyman Bistro. Please note copyright of all exhibition display images belong to Robert Vance.

Oct 17, 2009

Photos: 5

Threads of Hope - Introduction by Roberta Bacic

- Quilts & Arpilleras that speak out - from Ireland and Chile. Exhibition Curator Roberta Bacic launches project at The Community Base in the World Museum. IMPORTANT : Please note that in addition to the usual copyright restrictions the image ownership of the reproduction rights of the quilts made for this exhibition belong to Roberta Bacic and photographers Colin Peck and Martin Melaugh. Please ensure they are credited for any image of the quilts used elsewhere as well as my copyright. Further archives of the quilts may be found at www.cain.ulst.ac.uk/quilts.