The line-up of this year’s concert, Imagining Ireland includes Martin Hayes, Iarla O’Lionaird, Lisa O’Neil, Radie Peat from Lankum, Stephen Rea, Fergal Keane, Martina Evans, Eimear McBride, Joseph O’Connor, Timothy O’Grady and Melatu Uche Okorie.

Martin Hayes is one of Ireland’s most prodigious traditional musicians and is best known for The Gloaming.  He is joined by the singers of two bands of evolving Irish music - Iarla O’Lionaird of The Gloaming and Radie Peat of Lankum.

Actor Stephen Rea is known for his acclaimed roles in Breakfast on Pluto and The Crying Game and his extensive work with Field Day. Fergal Keane has just presented his landmark documentary series The Story of Ireland for the BBC.

Timothy O’Grady’s I Could Read The Sky traces a journey from the beauty of the traditional way of life to the energy of modern urban existence. Award-winning novelist Eimear McBride and poet Martina Evans have written extensively on music and life in London. Joseph O’Connor is best known for his novel Star of The Sea. Born in Nigeria, Melatu Uche Okorie moved to Ireland in 2006:  during her years living in the direct provision system that she began to write This Hostel Life. which tells the stories of migrant women in a hidden Ireland.

The event will take place at London’s Barbican Centre, Wednesday January 30, 2019 7.30pm. Tickets cost £25 from Serious.org.uk/Ireland and go on sale from 10am this Friday.