Culture Night 'an invitation for absolutely everyone'

Culture Night, the 21st annual celebration of culture, creativity, and the arts, took place across Ireland tonight. All events were free to attend and open to everyone, with hundreds of activities happening in villages, towns, and cities. Djamel White, a Booker long-listed author, served as the literary ambassador for the night, emphasizing that culture encompasses many aspects that make Ireland a special place.

The atmosphere was described as welcoming, with families and people of all ages enjoying the festivities in the streets.

Ray Yeates, one of the event founders and city arts officer for Dublin City Council, highlighted the event's enduring appeal due to its accessible formula. He noted that people take ownership of their cultural institutions, allowing new audiences to discover them. Highlights included a backstage tour of the Everyman Theatre in Cork, a Cartoon Festival in Galway, and a golden opportunity to explore 4,000 years of silver and gold craftsmanship at the Óir exhibition in Limerick.

Dublin hosted a range of events, including the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland's Irish premiere of "Glasslands" by Anna Cline, featuring jazz saxophonist Jess Gillam. Ave 68, a five-piece band, took the stage at Wood Quay's Amphitheatre earlier in the evening, offering their R&B, soul, and pop jazz music to new audiences. Singer-songwriter Holly Munro, performing in both English and Irish, expressed her enthusiasm for reaching new listeners.

RTÉ will broadcast live programs from Kilkenny, Killarney, and Cork from 6pm to 11pm, with Culture Night Live on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player at 8pm. For event information, visit culturenight.ie.