Youghal’s Arts and Cultural Community today (28th August 2012) launched its programme of free events for ‘Culture Night 2012’ on Friday 21st September 2012. ‘Culture Night’ is a night where arts and cultural organisations open their doors until late with a series of free events, talks, musical performances and tours for all the family to enjoy. Held every year since 2006, this evening is based on similar cultural events held in Europe and other cities called “White Nights,” due to the fact that the buildings are lit up for the evening of the event.
Youghal’s programme will feature a wide ranging series of events including a multi-cultural evening presented by Cumann na Daoine in the Community Development Resource Centre. The event “Celebrating our Differences” will provide a taste of music, song, dance and food from the new residents in Youghal who come from a variety of cultures, countries and continents. Traditions of Youghal Lace Making will be on display in Condon’s Florist who will also host Youghal’s Lace & Historical Photographic Exhibition, while a Crochet and Knitting Demonstration will be presented by ‘In Stitches’ on Youghal’s North Main Street.
The visual arts will be well represented as Gallery 126 host an art exhibition, while award-winning goldsmith and jewellery designer/creator Felix Faulkner will demonstrate her skills on the evening. Another treat for jewellery lovers will see Lauren Burroughs showcase her costume jewellery, while giving a demonstration using semi-precious metals, stones and beads in Danelle Boutique.
Commenting on the upcoming events taking place all around the country, Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht emphasized: “Culture Night plays a critical role in terms of increasing and improving the public’s access to culture and the arts. It is a night for people of all ages to sample and connect with the cultural delights in their area and remind them that these venues are open all year round, not only on Culture Night.” The 2012 event will feature a record 34 participating locations, making it the biggest and most extensive Culture Night to date.
Youghal’s evening will see both traditional and choral musical performances take to the stage. Comhaltas Craobh Eochaill will host an evening of song, dance and story-telling in its Centre in Bru na Si, while also adding to the atmosphere through performances in The Red Store Bar & Restaurant in North Main Street. Youghal’s Choral Society will perform pieces from a variety of genres along with music from popular musicals such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.
As in previous years Youghal’s built heritage will feature in Culture Night, with Tyntes Castle, the late 15th Century urban town house open to the public, while Youghal’s Heritage Centre situated in Youghal Tourist Office will remain open throughout the course of the evening. Youghal’s Culture Night however could not be complete without the storytelling genius that is Pat Lynch of Fox’s Lane Museum. Pat will conduct a series of free tours of the collection of household goods, dating from 1850 to 1950.
For a full series of events taking place on Culture Night, Friday 21st September 2012 throughout Youghal, Cork City and County and nationally please log onto www.culturenight.ie or www.youghal.ie for local events.