AN IRISH music festival is showcasing some of the country's best musicians, singers and storytellers, with contributions from home-grown performers in Newcastle.

Originally starting in 1987, the Tyneside Irish Festival will run until early November.

Organised by the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society, the festival provides events and community projects at the Tyneside Irish Centre.

Performances include modern Irish legends Andy Irvine, Galway's Seán Keane, and the last Newcastle performance of the Pitmen Poets, who combine song and story to evoke North East working life.

Hexham Courant: Musician Fiana Ní Chonaill performing at the Irish FestivalMusician Fiana Ní Chonaill performing at the Irish Festival (Image: Newsquest)

Festival regulars include Jimmy Crowley and Pat Speight, who will host a free night of song and dance from Cork.

Sally Glennon returns to the Irish Centre, with a show of traditional and country music, including her world-famous song, Hearts Beat as One.

Hexham Courant: Irish musician Andy Irvine Irish musician Andy Irvine (Image: Newsquest)

Tim Edey concludes the festival, and is recognized as a one-off musical genius, playing several instruments while singing traditional and contemporary pieces.

During the Festival, the Society continues community work, from the Half-Term Irish Culture Club teaching young people skills of dance and storytelling, to Raised on Songs and Stories (ROSS), bringing older members of the community together.

Hexham Courant: Mary Bergin, who plays traditional music on the tin whistleMary Bergin, who plays traditional music on the tin whistle (Image: Newsquest)

A social night will take place with the crew of an Irish Navy patrol vessel on their visit to Newcastle.

To buy tickets, go to eventbrite.co.uk.