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State visit: Irish culture celebrated in London concert State visit: Irish culture celebrated in London concert
(35 minutes later)
A host of Irish musicians and stars of the stage and screen are taking part in a London concert to mark the first UK state visit of an Irish head of state.A host of Irish musicians and stars of the stage and screen are taking part in a London concert to mark the first UK state visit of an Irish head of state.
The event is being held at the Royal Albert Hall in honour of Irish President Michael D Higgins.The event is being held at the Royal Albert Hall in honour of Irish President Michael D Higgins.
Mr Higgins and his wife are attending the concert on the penultimate day of their four-day UK tour.Mr Higgins and his wife are attending the concert on the penultimate day of their four-day UK tour.
Earlier, the Queen and Mr Higgins hosted a Northern Ireland-themed reception at Windsor Castle.Earlier, the Queen and Mr Higgins hosted a Northern Ireland-themed reception at Windsor Castle.
'Gracious welcome''Gracious welcome'
They met politicians, charity workers and others who have made a significant contribution to the Irish peace process and public life in Northern Ireland.They met politicians, charity workers and others who have made a significant contribution to the Irish peace process and public life in Northern Ireland.
Afterwards, Mr Higgins and his wife were welcomed to the Royal Albert Hall by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.Afterwards, Mr Higgins and his wife were welcomed to the Royal Albert Hall by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Mr Higgins described the event as a "wonderful and historic occasion" in a "magnificent venue".Mr Higgins described the event as a "wonderful and historic occasion" in a "magnificent venue".
"This celebration, above all, is for the thousands of Irish people in this Hall who have made Britain their home or whose parents or grandparents did, as well as the friends, neighbours, relatives and in-laws, they have brought along," he said."This celebration, above all, is for the thousands of Irish people in this Hall who have made Britain their home or whose parents or grandparents did, as well as the friends, neighbours, relatives and in-laws, they have brought along," he said.
President Higgins thanked the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh "for the gracious welcome and warm hospitality" throughout his UK trip. 'Deep friendship'
"The evident grace and warmth with which they have prepared for, and arranged, my State Visit is reflective of the true and deep friendship that now exists between Ireland and the United Kingdom," he added. President Higgins thanked the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for their "gracious welcome and warm hospitality" throughout his UK trip.
The concert organisers said the event would celebrate the contribution of the Irish community in Britain and the "strength and range of collaboration and creativity between Ireland and the United Kingdom". "The evident grace and warmth with which they have prepared for, and arranged, my state visit is reflective of the true and deep friendship that now exists between Ireland and the United Kingdom," he added.
The president also paid tribute to members of the Irish community in Britain.
He thanked them for "the fidelity you have shown to Ireland over many years; for the contribution you have made to the development of Britain; and for your part in the consolidation of an enduring friendship between our two countries".
"On a night like this, it is great to be Irish. And it is even better to share it in the company of our friends in Britain," Mr Higgins added.
The concert organisers said the event would celebrate the contribution of the Irish community in the UK and the "strength and range of collaboration and creativity between Ireland and the United Kingdom".
Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Paul Brady, Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard, actress Fiona Shaw, best-selling author Joseph O'Connor and TV presenter Dermot O'Leary are on the bill.Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Paul Brady, Oscar-winning musician Glen Hansard, actress Fiona Shaw, best-selling author Joseph O'Connor and TV presenter Dermot O'Leary are on the bill.
The event is called Ceiliúradh, which translates as celebration.The event is called Ceiliúradh, which translates as celebration.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, and former British Prime Minister John Major - who was heavily involved in the early days of the Irish peace process - are among the Albert Hall guests.