Exciting Programme of Events for Culture Night in Fingal Friday 18th September 2020

Fingal County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce an exciting programme of free events taking place in various locations in Fingal to celebrate Culture Night 2020. Culture Night is an annual national public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. For one night only arts and cultural organisations, castles and historic houses in Fingal will extend their opening hours to the public, highlighting a variety of local talent and fantastic cultural facilities. Due to the recent challenges resulting from COVID-19,  this year’s programme combines free online digital and live events which will take place on Friday 18th September 2020.  Audiences of all ages can ‘Connect Through Culture’ and enjoy a variety of music, poetry, workshops, tours and talks specifically programmed for Culture Night in Fingal either online or at participating venues.

Among those taking part this year are recently opened venues in Balbriggan and Malahide. The Casino Model Railway Museum in Malahide which houses the iconic Fry Model Railway collection, in the beautiful newly restored Casino cottage will offer free self-guided tours  and the Irish Institute of Music and Song, a superb new music facility in Balbriggan, will host tours of their historic buildings and pop-up music installations including performances from Ireland’s National Barbershop Quartet Champions, Lady Barbalade and musical ensembles from Africa.  

Fingal libraries will deliver an exciting online festival including music from the LR Project and Blanchardstown Brass Band and online poetry and animation projects which can be accessed through the Fingal Library YouTube channel.  There will be an opportunity to see a new mural in Balbriggan commemorating the Sack of Balbriggan which was commissioned by Fingal Arts Office in partnership with and on behalf of the Sack of Balbriggan Commemorations Committee. Our Balbriggan will host an online event with Balbriggan artist Thomas Brezing and there are also free heritage tours of Malahide Castle & Gardens and Newbridge House & Farm in Donabate. DIAS Dunsink Observatory will present a virtual night among the stars including a virtual tour of the observatory and online ‘Light-speed’ talks with leading astrophysicists.

Speaking about the programme Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “It is fantastic to see the wonderful variety of events both live and online being presented in Fingal for Culture Night. Whether it is musical performances, poetry, art installations, heritage tours or even star gazing there is an opportunity for everyone to ‘Connect Through Culture’ on Friday the 18th.”

AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “I would like to commend our Arts Office and all Fingal Departments for meeting the challenges posed by Covid-19 and putting together such a comprehensive programme of both live and online events for Culture Night and I am delighted that we can welcome people into our Heritage properties on the night”.

Margaret Geraghty Director of Services of Housing and Community said:  “Culture and the Arts have a very important role in society and the sector has been greatly impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions.  In this context I am very pleased to present this fantastic programme for Culture Night which will showcase many aspects of culture and allow people to engage with it for free both in person and from their homes.”

Join us for these specially programmed events and more.

Culture Night events are free however some venues may have limited capacity due to current COVID-19 restrictions and may require advance booking. Social distancing measures will be adhered to for live events/tours, as per government guidelines on COVID-19. Please check with venues prior to attending as live events are subject to change.

See www.fingalarts.ie/news for a programme of Fingal based events  or download here: Culture Night Fingal 2020  and for the full national programme see www.culturenight.ie

For further information please contact: e: [email protected]    t: 01 890 5733