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Bono and Imelda May join annual Christmas Eve busk in Dublin

Bono, Imelda May and Oscar winner Glen Hansard have taken part in a Christmas Eve charity busking session in Dublin city centre.

Glen Hansard opened the annual event this evening, telling the large crowd that more than 30 artists were waiting to perform.

Among them were the band The Riptide Movement and singer-songwriter Shobsy.

Bono and Imelda May
Bono performed a rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) with Imelda May

U2 frontman Bono was one of the last to take to the stage, performing a rendition of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) with Imelda May.

The event came to an end with a rousing performance of The Pogues classic Fairytale Of New York, during which Imelda May wished the late Shane MacGowan a "Happy birthday for tomorrow".

The traditional gig marks its 15th anniversary and raises funds for Dublin Simon Community, a charity which provides services to people in seven counties who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Glen Hansard plays guitar on stage outside the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin
Glen Hansard opened the annual event outside the Gaiety Theatre

The event started in 2010 as an impromptu sing-song on Grafton Street.

It has now become a more official and organised event outside The Gaiety Theatre nearby.

Hundreds of people sang along to a mix of Christmas tunes and hits, with viewers tuning into the livestream from Berlin, London and New York.

In the crowd were Dubliners returning from abroad. Jason Hanaway, who lives between New York and Poland, said the event was "brilliant", adding, "Only in Dublin".

Maria Campani, from Italy, has made the city her home and says she comes every year: "It's a great event that brings everyone together," she said.

Danny O'Donoghue singing
Danny O'Donoghue of The Script performs
Crowds outside the Gaiety Theatre
The event has become a more official and organised event outside The Gaiety Theatre

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