Culture Night Returns to Cork County with Over 100 Free Events on 19 September

• Cork County prepares for a spectacular evening of free cultural experiences as Culture Night 2025 brings fire shows, outdoor cinema, musical parades and interactive workshops to 17 hub towns across the region.

Communities throughout Cork County are gearing up for an extraordinary Culture Night on Friday, 19 September, featuring more than 100 free events that promise to transform the county into a vibrant celebration of creativity and heritage. From fire performances at historic Camden Fort Meagher to outdoor screenings of "Wicked" at Mallow Castle, this year's programme offers something for every age and interest.

Coordinated by Cork County Council and funded by the Arts Council, Culture Night 2025 builds on last year's success, which saw over 17,000 attendees enjoying performances by 183 artists across 132 venues. This year's expanded programme includes the return of Culture Night Late, extending festivities well into the evening hours.

Camden Fort Meagher will host one of the night's most anticipated spectacles: a fire performance by ROGU accompanied by music from Red FM's Stevie G. The historic fort will be transformed into a dramatic stage of fire and light, promising what organisers describe as "heart-racing artistry and an unforgettable atmosphere."

Film enthusiasts can bring blankets to Mallow Castle for an outdoor screening of the 2024 musical fantasy hit "Wicked" under the stars, whilst those seeking hands-on experiences can join the Mallow Musical Society for an inclusive workshop where participants will learn choreography, vocal techniques and acting skills, culminating in a full musical theatre performance created in just one evening.

Carrigaline will come alive with Carrigalive, featuring multicultural performances, parades, installations and spontaneous creativity throughout the town. The town will also host Mamaí Gé's bilingual interactive children's play, complete with music, dancing, puppetry and adventure.

Bantry offers a dynamic cultural trail combining music, dance, literature and conversation, concluding with concert sets by Gealach Quartet & Leevy. The performance will blend classical and traditional Irish music in celebration of West Cork's renowned musical heritage.

Traditional music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances hosted by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann branches from across the county, ensuring the roots of Irish culture remain central to the celebrations.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said:

"Culture Night is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, heritage and diversity that make our communities so special. It's an open invitation to step inside our theatres, galleries, studios, and historic buildings, to meet the artists, performers and storytellers who inspire and connect us. I encourage everyone to get out and explore what's on offer. There's something for all ages, and best of all, it's free. Culture Night reminds us that the arts are not only for special occasions, they are part of the fabric of everyday life here in our County."

The programme also features numerous pop-up performances, poetry readings, musical events, children's workshops and short-form theatre productions across the county's towns and villages.

Culture Night Cork County 2025 runs from 4pm until late on Friday, 19 September. All events are free to attend, though some require advance booking. Full programme details and booking information are available at www.culturenightcorkcounty.ie.

The initiative continues to showcase Cork County as a cultural destination, providing opportunities for cultural producers to reach new audiences whilst celebrating both local traditions and global influences that enrich the region's creative landscape.