Glen Hansard leads stars busking in Dublin for charity

A host of Irish musicians have once again taken to the streets of Dublin for a Christmas Eve busking session in aid of charity.

An expectant crowd gathered outside the Gaiety Theatre for the long-running event, which supports the Simon Community and raises funds and awareness of homelessness.

According to the charity, more than 10,500 people are currently trapped in emergency accommodation in Ireland – not including those such as rough sleepers, so-called ‘hidden homeless’ or those seeking refuge as a result of domestic abuse.

The figure includes more than 3,800 children.

Last year’s busking session saw U2’s Bono and The Edge take part.

While they have long supported the event, they were unavailable this time around.

However, a host of other regulars – including Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Hudson Taylor, and Danny O’Reilly from the Coronas – kept those gathered well entertained.

"Whatever you think this gig is worth then donate it to the Simon Community," Imelda May told the crowd.

"I've donated, I always do.

"We all deserve a home."

Performances included a closing rendition of The Pogues’ classic Christmas offering Fairytale of New York, led by Glen Hansard and Imelda May.

The busking session used to be held on Grafton Street, but had to be moved to outside the Gaiety in recent years due to an issue with over-crowding.