Bloomsday 2020 to be celebrated differently due to Covid-19

Bloomsday, which always falls on June 16, has always stood as an opportunity for President and Sabina Higgins to celebrate the work of James Joyce (particularly Ulysses), and by extension all the arts.

This Bloomsday is shaping up a little differently, but will no doubt be the start of an exciting new tradition. At Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins will host the first in a series of performances that will highlight Ireland's rich artistic culture and call the country to support artists in these difficult and unprecedented times.

"Bloomsday 2020 will be celebrated a little differently perhaps, but for a reason that has never been more important: the need to acknowledge the contribution of artists, promote their creativity, and protect their livelihoods," said President Higgins in a statement.

The new performance series will be a part of President Higgins' "Samhlaíocht agus An Náisiún / Imagination and the Nation," and feature performances from Lisa Lambe, Simon Morgan, Clare Barrett and Noel O’Grady, and an address by President Higgins.

Lisa Lambe is a burgeoning singer-songwriter whose album Juniper was called "warm and intimate" by Hot Press. Simon Morgan and Noel O'Grady have two of the most renowned voices in the country, and Clare Barrett is a great actress – there will surely be something for everyone at this virtual Bloomsday.

• You can stream the performance from RTÉ Culture, or it will be available on RTÉ News Now.