Culture Night will take place this year on Friday, September 18 with a host of events taking place both live and virtually across the district.

Co-ordinated locally by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Culture Night is a UK and Ireland wide celebration of culture, heritage, creativity and the arts. From late afternoon to after dark, a range of free entertainment, discovery and adventure will be on offer online, at venues and in public spaces across the district.

Speaking about Culture Night, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth said: “Despite the challenging climate for the arts & cultural sector at this time particularly in light of the restrictions on gatherings as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to present a programme for Culture Night 2020 which is exciting, diverse and showcases the wealth of talent from across our district. There is something for everyone and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who is taking part in the planned events.”

The 2020 programme is a combination of live-streamed, in-person, pre-recorded and online activities and events. The programme encompasses the whole spectrum of the arts including film, literature and language, music, heritage, drama and multi-arts activities.

Highlights of the programme include a site-specific performance at the Round O Bandstand by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School students, a film recommendation by Fermanagh Film Club, live-streamed Shakespeare from the Ardhowen Theatre, short interviews led by arts advocate Noelle McAlinden in ‘The Art of Conversation’ and previews of two new films by local film maker, Riagáin Grainger. ‘

ERGS Junior Drama Club will perform their radio play ‘Erne Emergency’ on the night while Hambly & Hambly host ‘Culture Night by Candlelight’, a night of visual art, music, poetry, folklore and book launches. Musical performances will include Tenor Andrew Irwin, Jim McGrath and Gaby McArdle. Kate O’Shea and Fiddel Hogan Walsh will launch their books plus Irish Folklore in visual art by Johnny McCabe and storytelling by Ciara Hambly.

Culture Night Audiences will be required to socially distance at the live events and may be required to wear a mask for indoor activities.

To view the brochure for Culture Night 2020, please visit the Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com.

Fermanagh and Omagh Culture Night 2020 programme at a glance:

4pm - Bringing the House Down

5pm - Celebration of Mumming Tradition

5.30pm - Erne Emergency

6pm and 6.35pm - Promenade in the Park

6.45pm - onwards Down Memory Lane

7pm - A Taste of Culture

7.15pm - Books That Made Me

7.30pm - Traditional Singing Workshop

7.45pm - The Art of Conversation

8pm - Culture Night by Candlelight

8pm - A History of Drumquin

8.15pm - Dromore Virtual Session

8.30pm - Brass Blast!

8.45pm - Omagh At Its Best

9pm - Bite Sized Bard

9.15pm - ASTRL Pictures Double Bill

9.30pm - The Hamely Tongue

10pm - Fermanagh Film Club Recommends

10.15pm - Late Night Jazz

Full information can be found in the e-brochure, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website and Arts and Culture Facebook page.

Stay safe and have a great night!