Downpatrick to join culture night with special events

Downpatrick to join culture night with special events

2 September 2015

CULTURE Night is made up of hundreds of events across Ireland and overseas and Downpatrick is joining in the festival fun.

One of Northern Ireland’s most popular arts festivals, Culture Night involves cultural organisations opening their doors until late with free events, tours, talks and performances.

Downpatrick made its debut last year and is returning to join in the festivities on Friday, September 18 with a new jam-packed programme.

This year the Downpatrick Community Collective, with help from Newry Mourne and Down Council, will be the principal organiser with Down Arts Centre.

The main entertainment centre will be at St Patrick’s Square in Downpatrick where there will a marquee erected with music, dance and drama.

One of the group’s taking part is Commitments tribute band ‘Mr Pitiful’s Chain of Fools’.

South Eastern Regional College is once again involved in the impressive sand sculpture event at the Square— the Giant’s Causeway was among one of last year’s creations— and there will be face painters to keep the kids entertained.

Down Community Arts will host interactive art activities and there will also be a caricaturist adding to the fun at the Square.

Beyond St Patrick’s Square, Down Arts Centre will host the launch of A Night at the Pictures with Dramability, the students at Ossia Music School will be rocking it out, and potter Helen Faulkner will be offering the chance to get messy. 

Helen, who is Down Arts Centre’s artist in residence, producing beautiful semi-glazed terracotta tableware, will be throwing some pots and encouraging you to have a go.

On English Street Down County Museum will celebrate the opening of its major new extension and the unveiling of the High Cross, with a medieval stone carver also on the scene.

Adding to the atmosphere in the town will be circus acts Mr Wizzy and The Great Mefiesto, with the latter juggling anything from fire to swords as he makes his way through Downpatrick.

The Stilt Walking Samba band will also be livening up English Street and Market Street, joining the fancy parade leaving the museum at 6.30pm. There may even be a surprise on the night.

On a quieter note, history lovers can also enjoy a historical tour of English Street, Scotch Street and Irish Street with Duane Fitzsimons of Lecale Tours.

Culture Night will also see a number of events planned for Newry.

“We have different groups supporting us this year as well as those from last year coming on board so we are growing in strength,” said Denise Griffith, Arts Officer at Down Arts Centre.

“I would encourage everyone to come out and support both Downpatrick and our area’s vibrant arts 

scene.

“There is a feast of free entertainment planned with something to suit all tastes. Come and enjoy the sights and sounds.”

Entertainment starts from 6pm on the Friday evening of Culture Night and a full program of events will be available closer to the time.

To find out more visit http://www.culturenight.ie/