A national moment celebrating culture, creativity and the arts, Culture Night (Oíche Chultúir) seeks to actively promote the rich and varied culture treasured and nurtured in people’s lives.
The County Wicklow Culture Night programme brings together a diverse range of artistic and community experiences designed to broaden participation, strengthen local connections and celebrate place through participatory workshops, demonstrations and live performances, welcoming first-time participants alongside established audiences. New venues are being activated across the county, while outdoor events animate both town centres and rural landscapes, encouraging audiences to engage with culture in familiar and unexpected settings.
The Culture Night programme is enhanced by an extensive line-up of activities taking place across the county's library branch network, creating cultural opportunities that are inclusive, welcoming, accessible and representative of the county’s diverse communities.
Thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council, Wicklow County Council Arts Office have commissioned, collaborated, funded, and supported an exciting and diverse programme of events and creative activities. All events and activities are free, though some may require pre-booking.
More than 50 events, performances, and workshops will take place across the county, including:
Drums, Dance and Divilment: Enjoy live traditional Irish music from local musicians, experience the energy and joy of an interactive African drumming workshop and set dancing session in Blessington.
Encounters: Ecology, Culture & Sculpture in Donard: Join artist Noel Brennan, ecological artist Siobhán Madden, international arts director Aebhric Coleman, artisan James Grace, musician Eimear Casey and members of the Wicklow Hills Art Collective in exploring the relationship between ecology, landscape, memory and place.
Oíche Scoraíochta – Baile an Chinnéidigh: Come along to an evening of music, song and more in both Irish and English in the beautiful setting of St. Matthew’s Church, Newtownmountkennedy.
Stories & Rhythms: an evening combining youth theatre, community heritage performance, and internationally inspired live music, offering a rich mix of artforms and meaningful participation across generations and communities, in the Whale Theatre, Greystones.
Baltinglass Sings Community Choir and Guests: Baltinglass Sings Community Choir in concert with guest performances by the Flowers of Ukraine choir and solo artist Kendal Moody.
Ceol Ársa Cláirsí – A Celebration of Irish Harp Music from the 17th & 18th Centuries: a rare opportunity to experience Ireland’s harp tradition, through a historically-informed and immersive performance in the Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely.
Argentine Tango Experience, Bray: discover the world of Argentine Tango through a photographic exhibition, dance class, and a milonga, the social heart of Argentine Tango.
Avonbeg River Walk: Join local ecologist Faith Wilson from East Wicklow Rivers Trust and poet Jane Clarke for a walk along the banks of the Avonbeg river in the stunning Glenmalure Valley, to learn about the river ecology and to listen to poetry inspired by the river.
Wicklow Library Services have curated a varied programme of events and activities at Arklow, Ballywaltrim, Blessington, Bray, Carnew, Enniskerry, Greystones, Rathdrum, and Wicklow Town libraries including:
Arklow Library – enjoy a concert of Indian classical music and performance
Ballywaltrim Library – join artist Sharon Wells to experience the wonders of wool, try your hand at felting, and enjoy an evening of traditional crafting and folklore
Greystones Library – join art and crafts artist Tamara Fiabane for a creative stitching workshop, sit back and enjoy a performance by jazz guitarist Mike Nielsen.
Rathdrum Library – enjoy a relaxing and creative mandala art workshop by Shyakti Arts exploring mindfulness through pattern, colour and design
Wicklow Town Library – join Terry Lawless for a linocut workshop, browse Wicklow Creative Cooperative’s print exhibition, and be entertained with live music from Hugh Browne
Commenting on the events programme, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley stated, “It’s wonderful to see the Culture Night programme supporting and promoting local artists and creativity and providing the community with such a varied and inclusive range of events.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman noted, “Culture Night encourages everyone to come together to explore and discover all that culture and creativity have to offer, and I’m delighted to see so many Wicklow artists and organisations represented in the programme.”
All events are free, but some require advance booking.
See the full Wicklow Culture Night programme at https://culturenight.ie/wicklow/