Song was a key element to the evening with The Hope Metropolitan Singers sharing a range of folk songs, both traditional and classical, with great aplomb, reflecting their versatility and flair. There was a powerful rendition by Ben Griffiths of “Danny Boy”, the Londonderry Air. Items by the Liverpool Irish Choir added to the variety of the evening.

There were small group items, reflecting Irish folk tradition: including Shaun Back on Irish Fiddle, Naomi Webber on Irish Harp, with a moving arrangement of “Go, my Love”. Richard Lea played piano music by Sullivan and Field, reflecting the classical tradition of Irish composers in 19th Century.

No concert would be complete without Irish Dancing and the George Ferguson Dancers did not disappoint. The children were the stars of the night, sharing their great skills and obvious enthusiasm for their cultural tradition.