Westmeath Oíche Chultúir is back
The 17th edition of Culture Night on Friday, September 23, has a variety of unique events across the county to celebrate and promote the arts. Here is a selection of what’s on.
Caithriona Devine of Devine Art Studios is offering two free art classes for parents and children at her studio in Crookedwood. The first class is at 3-4.30pm and the second is 4.45-6.15pm. All materials are provided but artists have book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Castlepollard Library will host a series of sculptures by artist Caroline Barry from 4pm on Friday. Caroline is a novelist and sculptor living in Westmeath and will display pieces that are all fired, painted, made of red earthenware clay.
Noel O’Farrell will perform at Mullingar Library from 4pm on Friday in an event aimed at children who enjoy live music. The inspiration for his songs comes from children across the midlands and topics include friendship, climate change, growing up and the animal kingdom. No booking is required.
The official launch and photograph of The Piano Man sculpture is at Lough Lene in Collinstown at 4pm on Friday. Following a series of art workshops earlier this month, artist Teresa Doyle and members of the Men’s Shed created a sculpture from an old piano. People are welcome to Lough Lene Gaels walkway to view and enjoy the art piece as they take a walk in the park.
Up to 40 Energy Plus dancers aged 6-18 will be on Dominick Street from 5.30pm to entertain with ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary style of dancing.
Historian, Ruth Illingworth, has planned a walking tour for those who want to experience the rich history and heritage that Mullingar has to offer. The walk is suitable for all ages and will stop at the Pilgrims, the Mullingar history mural and the famine memorial. The tour will begin at 6pm from Market Square, Mullingar.
Columb Barracks welcomes an art exhibition hosted by Mullingar Arch Club. The exhibition will run for a week commencing on Friday September 23 from 5pm and will showcase work in paint, clay, pencil, sculpture and there will be a winter sensory garden. A buffet of food grown in their allotment will be open from 6pm.
Mullingar Town Band are scheduled to perform at the Bandhall from 7pm in celebration of Culture Night. They plan to play a number of well-known tunes until 8pm.
Dylan Neeson and Inklings Writers group will be Áras an Mhuilinn from 7.45pm and promise a light hearted experience and laughter. Author Lorraine Murphy will be speaking about her new book followed by some live music by Dylan Neeson and Runette.
Mullingar Gospel Choir, Mullingar Youth Theatre, Across the Boards and other local dance and music groups will perform at Mullingar Arts Centre between 7.30pm and 8.45pm on Friday.
There will also be a public showing of Orla and The Go Faster Stick, a film that brings to life the book written by local author Orla Keating.
Rochfortbridge Community Centre presents an evening of celebration with lots of music, song, dance, film and storytelling from 7.30pm. The Scoil Chroí Naofa choir will open the evening with some special songs. Admission is free but there will be a donation box if people want to support and there will be a raffle with lots of great prizes.
There will be a lively showcase of traditional Irish music and dance at Áras an Mhuilinn from 8pm on Friday. The event offers visitors a spectacle of what Irish traditional music, song and dance is all about. Performances include Barney Whelehan on the accordion, Frank Keoghan on vocals and guitar, Joe Gavin on the uilleann pipes and Marie Claire playing the Maxwell Harp.
Belvedere House and Gardens have no entry fee from 5pm until 8pm on Friday in celebration of Culture Night.
RTÉ One will be broadcasting at Lough Boora, County Offaly from 7pm. They plan to highlight a range of different activities taking place around the country that marks the occasion. The show will be presented by Annie MacManus and will feature the RTÉ concert orchestra and special guests including Damien Dempsey, Jack O’Rourke and Tolu Makay.