Arthur's Day: Guinness Marks 250th Birthday

Arthur's Day: Guinness Marks 250th Birthday

Guinness celebrates its 250th anniversary today, and although the Irish don't really need an excuse to raise a glass, Dublin will be in full swing honouring the company's founder.

The world famous brewer of the "black stuff" is hosting a day of celebrations in Dublin to mark the day that Arthur Guinness signed the 9,000-year lease for his brewery in the city in 1759.

Drinkers of the dark pint are being encouraged to join a world toast to the man who started the company, and at 17:59 this evening everyone is being asked to say "cheers" with a pint.

Speaking on Jeff Randall Live, one of the most prominent members of the brewing dynasty, Jasmine Guinness, told of her pride in her family's contribution to Ireland's economy and society.

"I'm very proud to be a Guinness, obviously, because we've done a lot in 250 years.

"It never really meant much to me when I was younger but as I've gotten older I've realised how much we've done for Dublin and the Irish people as time's gone."

At the celebrations 60 musicians and singers including Tom Jones and Kasabian will be in Dublin to perform at a live music concert at the St James's Gate Brewery.

Cat Deeley and Ronan Keating will be hosting the festivities from the Brewery, as well as Colin Murray, Ed Byrne, model Michelle De Swarte and Michelle Doherty in the four studio venues.

There will also be a series of intimate gigs in more than 30 venues across Dublin.

The celebrations will have an international flavour, with the Black Eyed Peas performing in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, as well as events in New York and Lagos to mark the 250th anniversary.

The advertising and branding surrounding the anniversary has gathered huge momentum with more than 6,000 people signing an online petition to make Arthur's Day an Irish national holiday.

The company is also using the celebration to launch the Arthur Guinness Fund as a tribute to the Guinness family's well known acts of philanthropy in Ireland.

Guinness says: "The aim of the fund is to enable and empower individuals with skills and opportunities to deliver a measured benefit to their communities".