Imelda May is a big fan of Christmas. So it’s no surprise that she would want to get involved in her very own festive show.
The singer will present a Christmas special for Sky Arts this festive period and we just know it is going to be incredible!
Christmas In Ireland with Imelda May and Friends will air on Christmas Eve and feature music and literary performances, from well-known and up-and-coming artists.
The proud Dublin woman filmed the hour-long special in the heart of our capital in the iconic Pepper Canister Church.
To celebrate the iconic Christmas Eve busk, Imelda will be joined by the likes of Glen Hansard, Jack Lukeman, Loah and Hawke The Band.
The show was also filmed in front of a live audience from the Simon Community.
Sharon Corr will also recite Patrick Kavanagh’s A Christmas Childhood while The Dubliners legend, John Sheahan, is set to perform a self-penned poem that captures the magic of Christmas at home.
Speaking ahead of the special, Imelda May said: “We had the most beautiful night you can imagine and captured it all on film so we could share the moment with others. Serendipity was alive and well in abundance and once Maggie Breathnach, Meredith Plant and I got the logistical pieces of the puzzle to fit the evening took on a life of its own.
“Everyone who was present felt their souls rise and minds calm in the stunning Pepper Cannister Church in Dublin one winter’s evening. Each artist brought their own divine wonder and brilliance. I wanted to show to the world a true Irish Christmas of all styles, generations and huge talent celebrated through song, story, poetry, family (including my own Dad) and friendship.
“Christmas can often get overwhelming, so I wanted us to encapture the true spirit of this time, observed in Ireland for thousands of years pre-Christianity, in all its simplicity and glory.
“I wanted to acknowledge the struggles many face at this time so invited both clients and volunteers of the Simon Community to show solidarity and thank the workers for all they do all year round. (There’s an unbelievable moment of fate and beauty with Glen and busker Paddy I’ll never forget) I hope this will make you feel uplifted, nourished and fill your heart to the brim with warmth, joy and of course a sprinkling of magic.”
Christmas in Ireland with Imelda May and Friends will premiere on Sky Arts and NOW, on Saturday 24th December at 9.30pm
