Donegal County Council Culture Division is proud to present its 15th annual programme of events for Culture Night, the all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity, and the arts. Taking place this Friday, 22nd September, Culture Night is “One Night For All” with events taking place across the county. This exceptional night of cultural festivities takes place once per year as part of a national celebration of arts, heritage, and culture.
Commenting on this year’s event, Donegal County Council Arts Officer Traolach Ó Fionnáin said: “We are so excited that Culture Night 2023 is taking place across Donegal this Friday, 22nd September. We, in Donegal, are especially happy this year to have been chosen as the location for RTÉ’s hugely popular Culture Night live television broadcast, which will transmit from Ionad Cois Locha, Dún Lúiche in the shadow of Errigal and from Oileán Árainn Mhór. Audiences can enjoy the broadcast - which will include performances by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the fabulous Jessie Buckley, The Murder Capital, Aby Coulibaly, Ye Vagabonds, LUXE Landscape Theatre, and many others - on RTÉ1 Television and on the RTÉ player between 7.00pm and 8.00pm on the night.”
“This year’s programme has close to 40 live, in-person events from performance trails and concerts to walking tours and exhibitions happening across the county. There are a host of events to celebrate Oíche Culture in our Gaeltacht areas too which you can find online or in the programme. Culture Night is a great night to bring all your friends or family together as all events are completely free to attend and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please check the programme in advance to find out if booking is necessary for the events you hope to go to.” Traolach added.
Inishowen Carnival’s Strange Creatures - A Sculpture and Performance Trail
In Letterkenny Town Park, Inishowen Carnival will present Strange Creatures - A Sculpture and Performance Trail. Inspired by the diversity on planet earth, this event features illuminated sculptures and performances including dance, samba band, fire, circus skills and walkabout characters. Performance from 8.00pm – 9.00pm and 9.00pm – 10.00pm.
Culture Night at Cló & Co
Cló and Co is a new printmaking studio in Ramelton, and the team is inviting you all to join them this Friday, 22nd September. Celebrate Culture Night at Cló & Co and get your own screen-printed poster designed especially for the evening. This event is the perfect taster for all printmaking enthusiasts and those wishing to join the Cló & Co Print Club. No booking required, just drop in, (Unit 4, Aughnagaddy, Ramelton, F92 ADT8)
Donegal County Museum
Step back in time this Culture Night with a Life in the Workhouse Living History Tour at Donegal County Museum. Hear the stories of those who worked and stayed in County Donegal’s Workhouses during the Revolutionary Period. Tours take place at 6:15pm and 8:00pm. Pre-booking is essential on 074 9124613 or [email protected] (Tours are not suitable for children under 7 years of age).
A Little Art, A Little Music in the Heart of the Community
Step into a world of artistic wonder as Culture Night invites you to experience the extraordinary transformation of an abandoned 1844 building in Milford, After three years of dedicated restoration, Letterkenny artist Peadar Mc Daid has breathed life back into this historic space, (Moyle Road Art Studio & Residency, 4 Moyle Road, Milford, F92 EC43), creating his new studio and artist residency, which is open to the public for Culture Night.
An Grianán Theatre
Head to An Grianán Theatre on Culture Night for The Exotic Adventures of Dr Proctor. Join Orson Sterritt and his magic horsebox on An Grianán Theatre’s Plaza for this wonderful open-air show. Follow the magical doctor as he tries to create his campsite so that he can continue his adventures while exploring the exotic land that he has arrived in. Suitable for all ages, this is a fun family show with a twist of magic and a hint of circus.
The Loft
Enjoy live music this Culture Night at the LOFT in Letterkenny with performances by local young musicians from across Donegal, including The Notionz, Ella Fitzgerald, Upper Eitleans, Odhran Gallagher, Aer Bears, Ciarzo, and Darren O'Halloran.
Regional Cultural Centre
On Culture Night, the RCC will welcome musician and author John Robb to County Donegal to discuss his new book, The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth. This event will consist of a talk from the author and audience Q&A, followed by a signing. Like all Culture Night events, this is a FREE event, but registration is required by visiting www.regionalculturalcentre.com
Other events in this year’s programme include House of Fun in the Cottage Bar, an exhibition by Carey Clarke entitled ‘Coming Home’ in the Glebe Gallery, Churchill, and the Donegal Chamber Orchestra & Friends will be performing in Conwal Parish Church. Also on Culture Night, the Donegal Travellers’ Project and Donegal Intercultural Platform have collaborated on a unique photographic exhibition entitled 'Our Journeys.' To find out more visit www.culturenight.ie/donegal
