CULTURE NIGHT IS NEAR!
CREATIVE LAUNCH IN STUNNING SURROUNDS OF RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE
More photos:
A DIVERSE and entertaining programme of over 30 free events taking place in eight towns makes up the programme for the 2011 County Wicklow Culture Night.
The launch took place in the stunning surroundings Russborough House, Blessington on Friday night.
From Tinahely to Avoca and Bray to Blessington, Greystones and beyond, cultural happenings will be taking place throughout the county.
Jenny Sherwin, the Arts Officer for Wicklow County Council, is expecting an exciting day on September 23, when for the second time the Garden County will be taking part in Culture Night.
' This year is also special as 2011 marks the Year of Craft, so you will find opportunities to meet the makers of several crafts and also for young and old to participate in craft workshops. All are welcome, however we would particularly like to encourage and welcome those who may never have attended a cultural event in their local area, drop in and see what is on offer,' says Jenny.
At Russborough House on September 23 you can see local craftworkers make their wares, visit the blacksmith or take part in the guided house tour. Local talents will take to the stage later that evening in the local library for the Blessington Cultural Showcase. The Tramway Theatre hosts a superb night of entertainment featuring international singer Phil Callery and traditional musicians Rachel Conlon and Alan Reid along with many more performers from far and wide.
Tinahely will be busy from the afternoon onwards with exhibitions and workshops by Tinahely Arts Together and look out for their flock of sheep, featured recently on RTE. The Courthouse Arts Centre is offering a free puppet show for children starting at 5.30 p.m. and then later that evening a great chance to catch French chanteuse singer Caroline Moreau performing.
Conary Culture Crawl is on the move again this year with a travelling cultural experience with a little music, drama and a few surprises!
The programme of events also allows you visit historical venues such as Avondale House, Russborough House and Kilruddery Gardens. A local history talk on Bray Town Hall and its stained glass windows will also take place.
In Bray you can call in to the Signal Arts Centre for a free taster class, view their multimedia installations in St. Cronans on the Main Street or visit Kilmantin Art Gallery in Wicklow town. Arklow Visual Arts will be launching their youth art exhibition in their gallery along Main Street. Bray's Mermaid Arts Centre has a number of events lined up, including the opportunity to see The Crash Ensemble, Cois Ceim and the Fishamble Theatre company in their free showcase event.
There will be open air events down at Greystones Harbour from 8 p.m. and Greystones Theatre will be showing a number of short films. The Burnaby Lounge and Greystones Studios will host photography exhibitions. The library hosts an evening with author Claire Keegan from 7.30 p.m., while a traditional session takes place in Dann's at the Harbour.
Comedians Colm O'Regan and Bernard O'Shea present a free comedy gig in The Martello, Bray.
Further information on County Wicklow's Culture Night Programme is available on www.wicklow.ie or email culturenightwicklow@gmail.com.
- MYLES BUCHANAN
