Liverpool Irish festival launched

Patrick Kielty is among the performers at the festival

Liverpool was celebrating its largest immigrant community on Thursday with the launch of the Irish festival.

The event aims to strengthen the city's links with Ireland and organisers hope it will become an annual celebration.

Irish jigs and contemporary literature will be included in the festivities, which last until the end of October.

Artists from Ireland or with an Irish connection will also appear while local primary school children will perform pieces created during workshops.

Among those performing are comedian Patrick Kielty and writer Jimmy McGovern.

Liverpool City Council leader, Councillor Mike Storey, said: "Liverpool has always had an incredibly strong Irish community and the heritage plays a very important part in the fabric of our city."

Festival organiser, Dinesh Allirajah, said: "Liverpool has a unique historical affinity with Ireland, as well as an evolving modern relationship, so the annual event promises to be an Irish Festival like no other in Britain."