Fingal County Council announces Culture Night plans

Fingal County Council has announced an eclectic programme of free events for Culture Night, which returns for its nineteenth edition on Friday 20th September.

For one spectacular night audiences can immerse themselves in a diverse range of art and cultural events in Fingal. Taking place across seventeen locations, the programme will feature over forty unique activities.

Fingal’s arts centres, libraries, heritage properties and cultural organisations will deliver a wide range of events encompassing music, dance, visual arts, film, heritage, architecture, tours and exhibitions.

Fingal Libraries will host an exciting programme of family friendly events at Malahide, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown libraries, featuring performances by the amazing Balbriggan and Dublin Gospel Choirs and the Blanchardstown Brass Band. There is also a fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ event; a comedy show for children with ‘Rueben the Entertainer’ and a magic show with the amazing ‘Waffles the Wonderful’.

For those interested in genealogy there will be an opportunity to meet professional genealogist, Claire Bradley, who will answer your family history questions at Fingal Local Studies and Archives. Astronomy fans can meet the astronomers of DIAS Dunsink Observatory and take a self-guided tour of Ireland’s oldest observatory.

Visitors can expect a stimulating night of live performances on the main stage at Draíocht as ‘Blanchardstown Resonance 2’, curated by Asha Ari, showcases an impressive lineup of talented singers, bands and multidisciplinary artists from Dublin 15.  Culture Night attendees can also enjoy an electrifying night with the legendary John Robb at The Seamus Ennis Art Centre. Our Balbriggan invites visitors to the Hub, Georges’ Square for an amazing night of musical performances, poetry and art exhibitions. Also taking part in Culture Night is the Irish Institute of Music and Song, a superb music facility in Balbriggan, where guests will be treated to a variety of live music and tours of the award-winning Lark concert hall.

Other highlights include a range of tours at Fingal’s finest heritage properties. Explore Ardgillan Castle’s artists’ studios and art gallery, both resident and exhibiting artists will be available to discuss their artwork. Newbridge House and Farm will host a tour of the historic traditional working farm with buildings dating back to the 18th century. Visitors will have an unforgettable evening at Malahide Castle with exclusive guided tours exploring the rich history of one of Ireland’s oldest Castles.  Or why not visit  the incredible world of Cyril Fry’s meticulously handcrafted model railways at the Casino Model Rail Museum, in the heart of Malahide. Heritage enthusiasts can also enjoy tours of Skerries Mills, one of a few sites in Europe showcasing two Sail Mills and a Watermill.

Plan your Culture Night itinerary now by downloading the Culture Night Fingal brochure at www.fingalarts.ie or www.fingal.ie

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Brian McDonagh commented, “Culture Night in Fingal promises to be a captivating evening for everyone to enjoy. There is a vibrant programme of diverse art and cultural events showcasing our wonderful heritage properties, arts centres and the dynamic talent within the county. I am very proud of our commitment to the arts in Fingal and Culture Night is a great opportunity to show it.”

County Arts Officer, Sarah O’ Neill said: “As part of this year’s Culture Night celebrations, the Arts Office is excited to present a special evening at the newly restored Carnegie Library in Swords, featuring a music performance from the exceptional Swords Youth Choir. And to mark Fingal County Council’s Swords Cultural Quarter, visitors can explore an exhibition on this exciting architectural project designed by architects O?Donnell + Tuomey.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I am delighted to announce Fingal’s annual programme of activities for Culture Night which offers a fantastic array of events and entertainment delivered by venues across the county in celebration of our rich cultural heritage.”

The Fingal Culture Night programme was launched at Carnegie Library, Swords. Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Fingal County Council.

All events are free to attend, some venues may require booking in advance.

For the full national programme see www.culturenight.ie