Inside President Michael D Higgins’ lavish garden party as he invites singers to home

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins welcomed some big names to the Aras an Uachtarain as he held a lavish garden party for Irish Music Month.

Launched in 2021, Irish Music Month is an initiative of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, and is funded by Coimisiún na Meán.

President Michael D Higgins welcomed Dermot Kennedy to his homeCredit: Tony Maxwell

The president and his wife Sabina Higgins greeted musicians from around the countryCredit: Tony Maxwell

Some of Ireland’s biggest musicians attendedCredit: Instagram

The president and his wife Sabina Higgins welcomed a plethora of the countries emerging and established artists to his home for the celebration.

They held an evening garden concert, with the theme being ‘Where musical inspiration meets creativity in local radio’.

The event was hosted by radio and television presenter Trishauna Archer and featured performances from the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Gavin James and eight other up and coming Irish musicians.

Also in attendance were part organisers of the event, Hot Press editors, Niall Stokes and Mairin Sheehy.

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Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore also got to par take in the celebration along with Irish singer Lyra and influencer Rosalind Lipsett.

Taking to her Instagram Lyra said it was an “honour” to attend the event and that “it’s a day she will cherish forever” as she got to enjoy it with her dad.

For the celebration the Cork native donned a stunning grey gown as she joked she had to “ditch the leotard for this one”.

Rosalind Lipsett wore a stunning off-shoulder, ruffled beige two piece from Ganni,

The 38-year-old said it was a day to be “proud to be Irish.”

Dermot Kennedy echoed her sentiments by taking to Instagram to say: “How lucky are we to have such a president.”

Attendees of the event got to enjoy a lavish drinks reception in the garden area of the Aras and later took to an intimate tent venue to watch the performances.

The garden was decked out with lawn chairs and benches to accommodate for all their musical guests.

Speaking at the event, President Higgins said: “Local and community radio stations provide a unique social benefit to the communities they serve, allowing for community access and participation, allowing too for the output of each station to reflect the special interests and needs of its listenership.

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“Their support for the Irish language, the arts, Irish music and local community groups is invaluable.

“The budgets available may be limited on occasion, but the standard of programming is so often exceptional.

“We are so fortunate to have so many gifted musicians, singers and songwriters in this country and we are fortunate that some exceptionally talented ones have agreed to perform here this evening.

“I thank them all for being with us today, sharing their craft and providing us with such marvellous and memorable music.”

Irish Music Month 2024 will take place in September this year.