Turn off your TV for culture night!

Excitement is bubbling on Leeside as venues across the city prepare to fling open their doors late into the night for Culture Night Cork City 2023.

On 22 September entertainment lovers are in for a real treat with more than 1,000 live events planned, covering everything from music to the arts, to comedy, fashion, and literature. Organisers have confirmed that Cork City’s Culture Night’s full programme will appear in online listings and printed fliers around the city over the coming weeks.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy said Culture Night is a crucial part of Cork city’s event calendar and a key part of the city’s sense of identity.

“With so many free events on offer, there is literally something for everyone. The big thing is to plan in advance what you want to see, view, and engage in. It is an evening to turn the TV off, come into town, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. And I’ll see everyone there!” said the Lord Mayor.

A key event on the night will be Faoi Choim na hOíche, a celebration of the mesmerising interplay between sound, vision, and movement by The Electronic Music Council taking place at City Hall from 9 'till late.

Up the road a little bit, Candy’s Sweet as Circus Cabaret, presented by Cork’s own Circus Factory, will invite audiences to participate in a fantastic feast for the senses from 10pm at The Marina Market.

Cork Circus Factory will be involved in several Culture Night events, as the date coincides with their own Pitch’d Festival.

One new venue of note is the refurbished Elizabeth Fort which will host the Barrack Street Band, while the Butter Exchange Band opens its band room doors on the northside. UCC, as always, will host various events across its campus buildings, as will MTU on the Grand Parade, in Bishopstown, and on Union Quay, where the School of Music has an interesting repertoire on offer.

Speaking at the launch event, Maureen Kennelly, Arts Council Director, said one of her favourite things to see on Culture Night is generations of families and groups of friends, young and old, coming out to explore together and enjoy the richness and diversity of Ireland’s culture.

She said: “This year we are celebrating Culture Night’s coming of age and I encourage everyone to come out, have fun and wish Culture Night a happy 18th birthday!”

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD added: “Culture Night is always a major highlight in the cultural calendar, and I look forward to seeing people across Ireland celebrating one night for all.”