It's 250 years since George Friderich Handel died (14 April 1759) and also the 250th anniversary of Arthur Guinness signing the lease to the world-famous St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin. So, how did I celebrate on St Patrick's Day (well, it was until about 35 minutes ago)? By singing Handel's Messiah in St Paul's Cathedral and a pint of Guinness or two afterwards in the Cockpit pub.
* BBC Radio 2 were recording At the Foot of the Cross, a performance of Messiah excerpts, in St Paul's for broadcasting on Good Friday.
* Handel's Messiah masterpiece was first performed in New Musick Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin on 13 April 1742.
