Latest news with #CultureNight
BreakingNews.ie
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Culture Night to launch programme of events for 2025
Culture Night will launch its programme of events for 2025 on Wednesday, August 6th. This year marks the 20th edition and will be launched at Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). Advertisement The initiative Temple Bar Cultural Trust / Dublin City Council, Culture Night intially began as an innovative but relatively modest local event in 2006 with 40 venues opening free and late in the evening in Dublin's Temple Bar, expanding citywide in 2007, more than doubling in size with 87 cultural institutions participating. By 2010, the number of cities involved had doubled to 20 throughout the Republic, including the islands of Tory and Inis Meáin, the Gaeltacht regions and north of the border Derry joined Belfast in hosting Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir. Renowned Irish designer Helen Steele and members of brand-new female trad supergroup, Biird, will be on hand to launch the event this year that reflects Culture Night's 20 years of championing openness, discovery, and belonging through culture. Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir 2025 returns on Friday, 19th September with an expansive programme of late-night free events across Ireland, spotlighting the very best of our country's rich and diverse cultural landscape. The launch will take place on Wednesday at IMMA with photo opportunities at 10am-11am and interview opportunities from 11am-11:3oam.
Irish Independent
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Two young musicians awarded bursary in memory of true stalwart of the Wexford stage
The bursary was established in 2023, a year following Betty's sad passing. The award was an apt way to honour Betty's memory given her long history in the musical societies of Wexford. Betty was extremely well-known for her work with the likes of Wexford Light Opera Society (WLOS) and Wexford Festival Opera, as well as volunteering experience stretching back to 1968 with the Wexford Festival Opera. Betty served as chairperson for Music for Wexford from 2007 until her passing in 2022. The bursary in her memory will go on to help classical guitarist Dean Glynn and Irish harpist Mollie Carroll, two exceptionally talented young artists from County Wexford. Dean Glynn began studying classical guitar at the age of 6 at the County Wexford School of Music under David Creevy. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying under Peter Katona. Dean's accolades include winning the Bach Guitar Prize at Feis Ceoil 2024, and being a finalist and prize-winner in the inaugural Maeve Broderick Prize for Strings, where he received awards for both Most Original Programme and Best Audience Engagement. He has also performed at ChamberFest Dublin and on the main stage of the National Opera House, and serves on the Music for Wexford Youth Committee. Mollie Carroll has played the Irish harp since the age of eight. Music has always been a central part of her life, and she uses the harp as a way to explore both tradition and innovation. While her heart lies in traditional Irish music, she loves fusing styles, experimenting with pop, rock, and classical genres to shape her sound. Mollie performs with the Wexford Harp Ensemble and is a member of CCÉ Gorey/Ballygarrett. The bursary audition panel consisted of Beth McNinch (Viola), Aisling Ennis (Harp), Caitriona Frost (Percussion), and Eamon Sweeney (Guitar). Speaking on the award, artistic director Beth McNinch said: "Both young musicians showed outstanding musical talent and connection with the audience in their auditions, and the panel felt that together they would provide a really interesting concert to close out our Summer Season." Music for Wexford believes it is vital to offer young musicians paid performance opportunities, which can be difficult to find outside of school or college. To address this, the organisation has dedicated its July programming to supporting emerging artists, with lunchtime concerts on July 2, 9, and 16 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, featuring musicians from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Cork School of Music. ADVERTISEMENT These concerts promise a vibrant mix of wind, brass, piano, voice, and strings. In addition, all bursary applicants are invited to 'take over' Music for Wexford's Culture Night programming each year, curating and performing their own concerts. This initiative provides a unique and valuable learning experience for the next generation of performers. As part of their award, Dean and Mollie will perform a lunchtime concert on Wednesday, July 23 at 1 p.m. in St Iberius Church, Wexford, closing out Music for Wexford's summer season. Audiences can look forward to a refreshing blend of classical, traditional Irish, and contemporary arrangements. Tickets can be bought on the official Music for Wexford website.
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth late night cafes: Dundalk and Ardee want Drogheda pilot programme
Speaking at the June meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr. Emma Coffey said the Late Night cafe pilot programme 'seems to have been well received in Drogheda.' She highlighted that a similar scheme would work very well in Dundalk. "I've received a number of queries from Dundalk businesses who would be very interested in taking part, and also from the public who think this would be a great idea, so I'm wondering is it possible if we could do a similar pilot for Culture Night in Dundalk.' She added that a number of businesses would be very keen to join the initiative, saying that some were already opening late in the summer months. "There is a big coffee culture now in Louth, and across Ireland. On summer nights you can see people sitting at Market Square in Dundalk with their coffees, a lot are walking their dogs or bringing their children in." "I do think that given the success it has been in Drogheda it is something we could capitalise on in Dundalk. A lot of people don't necessarily want to go to pubs, but do want to sit outside on these warmer evenings and drink their coffee.' The pilot scheme in Drogheda followed a survey conducted by Louth County Council which indicated that people were keen to have more options for late night entertainment. Over 73% of the 1,238 people who responded to the Drogheda by Night 2025 public consultation highlighted that they would like to see more late-opening cafés. Hundreds of respondents said they would welcome more non-alcoholic or alcohol-light options at night. The pilot scheme was developed to offer a more diverse night-time offering, and saw a number of cafes in Drogheda open late in the evening, something which proved popular with the public. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Speaking at the Louth County Council meeting, Cllr. Dolores Minogue, who is Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District called for the pilot programme to be extended to the mid-Louth town for Culture Night. "I think all three Municipal Districts in Louth should all be given the same time and effort. We are all trying to build tourism, and we are all trying to support the economy in all our towns. We can't just sit in this chamber and always talk about Dundalk and Drogheda and not Ardee.' She said extending the Culture Night initiative to Ardee would bring real benefits to the town. A spokesperson for Louth County Council said it was a pilot programme linking in with the Night Time Economy Advisor in Drogheda, but added that one of the elements of the LECP (Louth Economic Community Plan) is that it would have links with other Louth towns to assist and advise traders in Ardee or BIDS in Dundalk. The aim of the LECP was to bring benefits to all parts of the county. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth's coffee lovers sipping success of late night cafe initiative
Speaking at the June meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr. Emma Coffey said the Late Night cafe pilot programme 'seems to have been well received in Drogheda.' She highlighted that a similar scheme would work very well in Dundalk. "I've received a number of queries from Dundalk businesses who would be very interested in taking part, and also from the public who think this would be a great idea, so I'm wondering is it possible if we could do a similar pilot for Culture Night in Dundalk.' She added that a number of businesses would be very keen to join the initiative, saying that some were already opening late in the summer months. "There is a big coffee culture now in Louth, and across Ireland. On summer nights you can see people sitting at Market Square in Dundalk with their coffees, a lot are walking their dogs or bringing their children in." "I do think that given the success it has been in Drogheda it is something we could capitalise on in Dundalk. A lot of people don't necessarily want to go to pubs, but do want to sit outside on these warmer evenings and drink their coffee.' The pilot scheme in Drogheda followed a survey conducted by Louth County Council which indicated that people were keen to have more options for late night entertainment. Over 73% of the 1,238 people who responded to the Drogheda by Night 2025 public consultation highlighted that they would like to see more late-opening cafés. Hundreds of respondents said they would welcome more non-alcoholic or alcohol-light options at night. The pilot scheme was developed to offer a more diverse night-time offering, and saw a number of cafes in Drogheda open late in the evening, something which proved popular with the public. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Speaking at the Louth County Council meeting, Cllr. Dolores Minogue, who is Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District called for the pilot programme to be extended to the mid-Louth town for Culture Night. "I think all three Municipal Districts in Louth should all be given the same time and effort. We are all trying to build tourism, and we are all trying to support the economy in all our towns. We can't just sit in this chamber and always talk about Dundalk and Drogheda and not Ardee.' She said extending the Culture Night initiative to Ardee would bring real benefits to the town. A spokesperson for Louth County Council said it was a pilot programme linking in with the Night Time Economy Advisor in Drogheda, but added that one of the elements of the LECP (Louth Economic Community Plan) is that it would have links with other Louth towns to assist and advise traders in Ardee or BIDS in Dundalk. The aim of the LECP was to bring benefits to all parts of the county. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
Irish Independent
15-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Pics from Cork show a proud day for one community as its thriving Men's Shed is opened in style
Also in attendance were Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Moira Murrell, CEO Cork County Council, Niall Healy, North Cork Divisional Manager, Cork County Council, Engineer Billy Dennehy, Minister Michael Moynihan, Leonora Kelly and Shane McHale representing IRD Duhallow. Cllr. Moynihan congratulated all involved in establishing the Shed, as well as the organisations that provided funding for the project. 'Sincere thanks also, to all those who do such great work around the village, and to those who promote the area. Everyone is deeply dedicated to community here,' he said. Paddy O'Connor, speaking on behalf of Kiskeam Development Association remarked that the Shed is 'an open door' for all the men who want to use it. 'Our aim was to develop a Men's Shed that would welcome people from all around Western Duhallow - Kiskeam, Ballydesmond, Cullen, Newmarket, Knocknagree and Rathmore, everyone is welcome. 'From the perspective of the Development Association, it was an absolute treat to work with such an enthusiastic group of people.' After cutting the ribbon and officially opening the Shed, Mayor of Cork County Cllr. Joe Carroll commended everyone involved in what he described as an exceptional project. 'I've met with so many communities all around the county and I've been hugely impressed by what they have achieved, but what you have here is exceptional, you can congratulate yourself. 'This is a marvellous day for Kiskeam, there is a fantastic community here. It's a great honour to be here today and what I'm seeing here is an inspiration to communities everywhere. 'To the people who use the Shed – I wish you great health, good conversation and plenty strong cups of tea! Thank you for inviting me,' the Mayor said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Denis O'Mahony, speaking on behalf of the Men's Shed group outlined the progress of the project since it was first mooted two years ago. 'Kiskeam Development Association conducted a survey amongst members of the community in 2023. Following a positive response, the group organised an open night for those who might be interested in setting up a Men's Shed. 'Following the initial meeting, a committee was formed in November 2023. With generous donations from our local community fundraising, we sourced a shed from local suppliers ProSteel Suppliers which was erected during the summer of 2024 and subsequently opened in August 2024. 'We sourced tools and equipment from various partners and funding was secured from IRD Duhallow in August 2024. Since then, we have welcomed guest speakers on diverse topics such as Emergency Medical Response, Age Friendly Ireland, Social Welfare Financial Advice, Crime Prevention and Horticulture. The Men also hosted Open Evenings for the Bealtaine Festival and Culture Night. 'Going forward, our intention is to support good health and well being, support men's mental health, increase physical activities, facilitate workshops and collaborative projects within the community, and promote volunteering opportunities,' Denis said.
