Mayo dancers help Lord of the Dance star launch Manchester Irish Festival
MAYO dancers the Ganley Sisters helped Lord of the Dance star James Keegan launch the sell out Young, Gifted and Green 25th anniversary show in Manchester and this year's 2020 Manchester Irish Festival.
The event was supported by Mayo.ie as part of its forthcoming Mayo Day promotional campaign.
The iconic St. Bede's College, built in 1876, was bathed in green light for the launch, at a sell-out two-hour concert.
Manchester-born James Keegan flew back from a European tour for the event. James was just eight when he performed in the very first Young, Gifted and Green show in Manchester. He is currently on tour with the Lord of the Dance show.
Sean nós dancers the Ganley Sisters, who are part of the award-winning Mayo Manchester Tradfest, flew in to perform at the concert and stage a dance workshop at St. Kent's Irish Club.
YGG creative director and the director of Mayo Manchester, Tony Hennigan, commented: "The audience and performers could not believe their eyes when James made a surprise appearance to officially launch the show. He brought the house down when he burst onto the stage to perform a routine from Lord of the Dance with the pupils from his dance academy. That moment will stay firmly etched in their minds and that of the audience.
“We had former YGG members, special guests and members of the audience fly in from all over Europe to make it to the event. It was a very special moment and one which I will treasure.”
On the eve of the concert Michael Flatley sent a special video message of congratulations on the 25th anniversary and for inspiring so many young people to do something with their Irish talents.
James Keegan paid tribute to all involved over the years with YGG, noting how it gave people a big opportunity and boost to their confidence to go make careers from it.
Young, Gifted and Green was launched in 1995 and James was one of its first principal dancers. After this concert it has now raised over £215,000 for different charities from its numerous sell-out concerts that have been staged all over the UK.
The show features students from St. Bede's College alongside a host of former members of the show and special guests. Former members appearing alongside James include Louise Keegan and the Keegan Academy Irish Dance School, Grace Kennedy's Irish Dance School, while musicians who appeared in the concert include Fidelma O'Brien, John Gibson, Martha Wall, Billy Graham, Mairead Hussey, the Moor Irish Trad group and the Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band. Singers include the show's orginal principal singer, Lauren Carter, Molly Browne, Daisy Davie, Tara Grady and the YGG Choir from St. Bede's College.
The Manchester Irish Festival runs from March 7 to 17. See www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk.