Culture Night is an annual, national event which celebrates our unique culture, arts and heritage and invites everyone across the island of Ireland for one night, to explore the arts and all that our culture is today.
Following last year’s tremendous success Culture Night Kerry 2024 offers an array of over 50 diverse events, performances and exhibitions available across the county.
Events are free of charge and the night promises to offer something for everyone on this ‘One night for all’.
In It’s 19th Year
Now in its 19thyear, Culture Night Kerry is co-ordinated by the Arts Service of Kerry County Council. It’s a chance to celebrate Kerry’s artistic, cultural, and thriving creative communities.
Culture Night is a collaborative experience with an emphasis on opening doors and inviting people into new spaces and discovering new cultural experiences.
“There is an open-door policy, a free showcase of local arts and culture, it is a chance to celebrate our culture, enjoying our creativity,” said Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer.
“It’s the artists, arts venues, community groups and organisations, supported by funding partners that make this night so special,” she added.
Partnership Supports
Culture Night in Kerry is supported in partnership with The Arts Council, Creative Ireland Kerry, Munster Technological University, and many arts partners.
‘Culture Night is a chance to showcase the wealth of culture that Kerry has to offer, this county is steeped in culture. I look forward to going out Friday 20th September and celebrate the very best of what we have here in the Kingdom.
“Thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Kerry County Council, all activities are free of charge’, acknowledged Cathaoirleach of Kerry, Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald.
Glimpsing the Highlights
Hannah Pinckheard, Assistant Arts Officer coordinated the programme for 2024 and offers a glimpse at some of the programme highlights:
Killarney – SíleMar – Following Peig’s rapturous reception at Féile na Bealtaine in Dingle. Renowned Blasket Island storyteller Peig Sayers will take to the streets of Killarney in the form of a giant 10ft puppet . Bringing her true essence to life and celebrating her for the world renowned lively fun storyteller, mother and island woman she was. Peig will be surrounded by animated symbols of island life; iridescent puppets of mackerel and gannets, and magical lanterns of in the form of naomhógs, the island boats, which were a lifeline to islanders. –
The Energy of Peig Sayers
Performers from the West End House School of the Arts will bring the vivacious energy of Peig Sayers to life through projections, movement, music and fire dance & draíocht.
Caherciveen – The Bahaghs Workhouse Incident – The Skellig Theatre Company will perform storytelling theatre performance exploring the notorious incident in the Irish Civil War. The Music Makers, performing well-known tunes of many genres played in the classical style on flute, clarinet and cello.
Following the success of the late-night programme of events in 2023, this year’s programme will focus again on scheduling events for after 9pm with additional support from the Arts Council.
Dingle- Fanzini will create a dramatic & arresting piece of street arts, Deoraí, the wanderer, featuring a solo performer on fire as part of Culture Night Late.
Drama in a public Space
Fanzini wants to explore the concept of the other, the stranger, the blow-in and to dramatise this spectacularly in the public space. Con Horgan of Fanzini Productions will create an original soundscape composition for the piece
‘Theatre of Hearthstone’ a late-night programmed event will take place in Listowel. Kerry Writer’s Museum will present a spectacular carnival – style evening of entertainment in celebration of Culture Night 2024 featuring Drum Dance Ireland, Rogu Mobius Fire Show and Tralee International Choir to name but a few. Listowel’s magnificent Square will transform into a lively festival atmosphere , featuring events that highlight the town’s rich cultural heritage.
A Culture Night 2024 Kerry ‘at a glance’ brochure will be available online from the Arts Office website with a printed version available in various locations throughout the County. Details can be found on: www.culturenight.ie
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Postcatchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
