Ireland

Guinness celebrates 250th anniversary

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People all over the world have been toasting what is described as a momentous anniversary for the Guinness company.

250 years ago Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the St James's Gate brewery in Dublin.

And the first toast to mark the anniversary took place this evening at 17.59.

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Thousands across the country followed suit and many more across the world raised a glass.

As part of the celebrations, willing performers came from near and far to play surprise gigs at venues throughout Dublin, while thousands attended an invitation-only party at the Guinness Storehouse.

An Post has printed a commemorative stamp in honour of Arthur Guinness, as was done for the 200th anniversary in 1959.

And with an online petition to make Arthur's Day a national holiday, Guinness may find that 250 years until the next big celebration is just too long to wait.

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