Record numbers expected to enjoy diverse Culture Night programme

A record number of visitors are expected to flock to 34 towns, cities, and regions across the country next month for a free evening of music, dance, theatre, and art.

Museums, galleries, theatres, churches, historic houses, and artists’ studios will throw open their doors for Culture Night on Friday, Sept 20.

The eclectic mix of culture and art will include a performance by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar.

Last year, a record 300,000 people attended hundreds of venues as part of the initiative.

Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan said the extraordinary night of cultural festivities has grown each year since its inception in 2006, with inspiring commitment from local authorities, cultural organisations, and participants throughout the country.

“There is a diverse programme of performances, events, and exhibitions available to the public,” said Mr Deenihan. “Figures show increased tourist numbers for the nationwide event, and in this, the year of The Gathering, even greater numbers can be expected to participate.”

Highlights include an art exhibition featuring work from seminal visual trailblazer Maser at Butler Gallery’s Red Square in Kilkenny, learning to play instruments made from food with the Fruit & Veg Orchestra in Belfast, and a fashion show on the old walls of Derry.

Other cross-border events will be held in Armagh, as well as in Newry, Omagh, and Strabane.

The gates of Leinster House will also be opened to welcome 1,650 members of the public for an evening of culture and entertainment.

Ray Yeates, of Temple Bar Cultural Trust, said: “When we witness the incredible number of people that descend on the streets on Culture Night, we can be in no doubt that the cultural and creative industries in Ireland are thriving.

“Ireland consistently punches above its weight across all facets ofcultural endeavour and enterprise and Culture Night is an annual celebration of this.

“We encourage both discerning culture fans and newcomers alike to get out on the streets.”

lFurther details of the eighth annual Culture Night are available on www.culturenight.ie