The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

Liverpool Comhaltas welcome

Liverpool Comhaltas musicians were out in force recently on the Albert Dock on the banks of the Mersey. They were there to participate in a multicultural event, which was the brainchild of artist Humberto Velez. The project entitled The Welcoming foccused upon the role of Liverpool docks, the point of arrival and departure for thousands of migrants hoping for a better life in a new country.

The Comhaltas musicians pulled out all the stops with a selection of polkas and hornpipes with the Cunningham Bolger Irish Dancers and appearing alongside was the Chinese Dragon Dancers and African drummers all adding to the rich blend of colour and spice at this most spectacular and uplifting event. The symbolic migrants disembarked from the ship and came down the quayside to the beat of African drums, Irish flutes and fiddles.

The late summer sunshine and the Mersey backdrop added to the mix to make this an afternoon all present will long remember. David Williams and Matt Mayers captured the afternoon on film and the project is now on exhibition free to the public at Blue Coat, 2 Hanover Street, Liverpool until November 25.

Ronan Mac Gabhann branch PRO said: “This exhibition could transfer to other British cities or to Dublin, Belfast or Cork and ask questions that are relevant today.”