Van Morrison is among the celebs to honour Michael D Higgins on his 80th birthday with a mix of music, poetry and dancing on TG4.
Other guests include Tullamore singer Tolü Makay, musical duo Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney and TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year, Laoise Kelly to name a few.
TG4 said: “Sparks fly when former De Dannan stablemates Frankie Gavin & Mairtín O’Connor team up, in Galway Town Hall Theatre, to tear asunder some sparkling reels and invoke the sound of the city of the tribes!
“The next generation of Irish talent are represented by two of the finest singers on this Island who come together for a vocal duet from the Claddagh in Galway on ‘Óró mo Bhaidín.’
"Sibéal Ní Chasaide first rose to prominence as a 16-year-old when she performed 'Mise Éire,' as part of the 1916 Centenary commemorations.
“Séamus Ó Flatharta received great attention with his sister Caoimhe for their unique take on a Sean-nós song ‘Eleanór na Rún’ on TG4’s Fleadh 2020.
The clip went viral and has been watched over 300,000 times with Séamus counting Imelda May amongst others as a fan.”
Sean Nos dance features heavily as well as a special performance from four time all Ireland champion melodeon player Emma Corbett.
TG4 praised the President for always championing those on the fringes of society and within traditional Irish music such as the travelling community.
There will be commentary from prestigious personalities.
Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, Director General of TG4 Alan Esslemont, Druid Theatre Director Garry Hynes, Playwright and Director Darach Mac Con Iomaire and former Vice-President at NUI, Galway Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh will all heap praise on the legendary president.
TG4 said the programme will reflect President Michael D. Higgins’ love of music, dance, poetry, language, song, theatre and protest and his support for the marginalized in society.
It will also reflect his support of the values of active citizenship and a caring community, his deep commitment to equality and to human rights, civil rights, LGBT+ rights, Traveller’s rights, language rights and his part of the struggle for gender equality from the 1970s to today.
The programme airs on President Higgins' birthday, April 18 at 9:30pm on TG4
