A varied programme of free events including music, dance, heritage, culture language, literature and film will be taking place across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area tomorrow night (Friday, September 22) to celebrate this year’s Culture Night.

The Culture Night programme, which has been co-ordinated and supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, celebrates the richness and diversity of culture in the District.

The Culture Night 2023 programme offers something for everyone.

Enniskillen based Irish language group, Sruth na hÉirne are hosting a public lecture on Fermanagh’s family names in Blakes of the Hollow.

This year, the group came up with the concept of asking two of Fermanagh’s renowned historians - Seamus MacAnnaidh and Frankie Roofe to jointly give an insight into the meanings behind the main family names from both the pre and post plantation periods.

Seamus MacAnnaidh, a writer and historian of the Irish language will also be given time to dissect the origins of lesser known family names.

Whilst Frankie Roofe, a self taught genealogist will lay bare the backgrounds of plantation families who are an integral to Fermanagh’s diverse heritage.

Entertaining one and all will be renowned folk musician, Gaby McArdle. As the event is being organised solely by Sruth na hÉirne, there will be a focus and encouragement on Irish conversation and translation.

Being an active member of Conradh na Gaeilge in developing the appeal of Irish language usage, this second Culture Night event by Sruth na hÉirne has attracted both financial support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and practical help from Blakes of the Hollow who are providing a central venue.

All attendees are asked to enter Blakes of the Hollow from the rear entrance as the room is on the uppermost floor and be seated in time for 7pm sharp as events as these are hugely popular.

Up the street in Pat's Bar, Fermanagh Film Club are inviting film enthusiasts to a showcase of short films by Irish Film Makers and local Moving Image students at 8pm.

Enniskillen Castle are hosting a 'Night at the Museums' from 5pm to 9pm, featuring the Inniskilling and Fermanagh County Museums; Erne Highland Dancers; Global Voices, Local Choices exhibition; and a historic re-enactment from minstrel Boys Living History Group.

In Belleek, local storyteller Nuala O'Toole will be 'Telling Tales' in the Lemon Tree Café from 7pm. The evening of Ceílí and storytelling is organised by Belleek Development and Heritage Group.

Other Culture Night events in the Fermanagh area include:

Autumn Equinox Community Supper in Murphy’s on Main Street, Ederney - celebrate rural traditions of harvest, storytelling and reminiscence at 7pm.

Meaning of Local Place Names in Knocks Cultural Centre, Lisnaskea at 7.30pm.

Irish Culture Night at St. Mary’s Football Club, Maguiresbridge - an evening of Irish music and dance at 7pm.

An evening of traditional Irish music and culture with Tempo Maguires GAC at 7pm.

Speaking about Culture Night, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said: “Culture Night is always a great night of entertainment showcasing the diversity of cultures in our District as well as the talents of our local residents.

I am delighted that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been able to provide sponsorship to 15 groups across the District to allow our residents to enjoy a variety of free events and activities.

I would encourage locals and residents to attend as many of the events and activities as possible and be part of this nationwide celebration.”