AN open invitation has been extended to the people of Westmeath to celebrate the county's official launch of Culture Night 2012.

The launch will be opened by Cathaoirleach Johnny Penrose, with a performance by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann of traditional music.

Westmeath County Council Arts Officer, Catherine Kelly is urging people to attend the launch on August 16, which promises to set the scene for September 21 when the county will be transformed.

This year the event has been put together to create more of a 'festival' feel with a large number of events taking place in close proximity with a number of key centres to make it easier for people to tour the culture on offer.

Athlone, Moate, Mullingar, Delvin, Castlepollard and Kinnegad will all be hosting numerous events on Culture Night.

The Culture Night launch will take place on Thursday August 16 at The Atrium, County Buildings, Mullingar at 5.30pm.

Again this year, every single event is free in a bid to encourage people living in Westmeath and its environs to get out and about and have a snapshot of what is available in the county all year round.

Events will run from morning to close to midnight to make sure Westmeath Culture Night showcases as much variety as possible at times to suit all ages and schedules.

For further information contact www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts, http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts or follow on www.facebook.com/westmeath.arts.