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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Danny De Vaal

Culture Night 2022: 1,000 free activities and events as Ireland's cities come alive

More than 1,000 free activities and events around the country will mark the return of Culture Night on Friday.

It will be the first time it has been able to fully return since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cities across the nation will come alive as museums, galleries, cathedrals, libraries, parks, government buildings and theatres will run tours, workshops, exhibitions and performances.

RTE will also air several Culture Night shows while some events will be held online - but the vast majority will be in person this year.

Those living in the capital will be able to travel back in time to the Edwardian Period by taking a tour of Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park.

Dubliners will also be able to learn about what life was like for soldiers in Collins’ Barracks.

In Spencer Dock near the capital’s docklands people will be able to enjoy the Discovery Gospel Choir from 6pm which will consist of contemporary gospel, traditional, African, popular and Irish-language songs.

In the same location, there will also be a spoken word masterclass delivered by poetician John Cummins.

Dublin sisters Avril and Lorna Meade, who make up the pop band Zestra, will perform live music.

The French Embassy in Dublin is also getting involved in the action and will put on an interactive live digital art display in collaboration with the National Gallery.

People will also be able to experience Medieval Dublin and the vikings through an interactive exhibition at Dublinia in Christ Church in Dublin 8.

Events will be held across the country, including the Gorey Polish Cultural Association who will deliver a night of Polish history, geography and art in Wexford.

In Kerry, people will be treated to Music, folk songs and stories from the African country of Uganda.

While up in Derry, data scientist Suad Aldarra will talk about her memoir “Don’t Want to Talk About Home”.

The organisers said: “Culture Night is a national moment, celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of Culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.

An annual, all-island public event which takes place each year on the third Friday of September, Culture Night celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.

“Special and unique events and workshops are specifically programmed at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and local Authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities are made available to the public free of charge.”

They added: “Culture Night invites everyone, everywhere, on one joyful night to discover and celebrate all that our culture is today.
“Arts and cultural organisations and venues of all shapes and sizes, from independent studios and art-spaces to national cultural institutions, extend their opening hours to allow increased access for the public.

“Culture Night happens because many people share a vision and enthusiasm for enjoying, celebrating and promoting creativity and culture. Its diversity is reflected in the scope and range of events and people who participate – and it aims to continue connecting with both engaged audiences as well as extending its reach to those who may not always have access.”

Culture Night, which is now organised by the Arts Council, first began in 2006 and was initially a joint initiative of Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Dublin City Council.

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