Connect with local culture on your doorstep this Friday

Culture Night returns for its 15th edition this Friday, September 18 with an exciting hybrid programme of online and socially distant events in Athlone, Moate and right around Westmeath.

While there have been changes to deal with the challenges of Covid-19 this year, what has not altered is the legacy of Culture Night championing art, history, storytelling, music etc countrywide in a night of shared cultural experiences which are free and accessible for all.

John Broderick's Athlone is the title of a one hour (gentle) guided walking tour with information on Broderick's life and times by local historian and author Gearoid O'Brien. The walk starts at Athlone Civic Centre at 5pm. Artist Rosemarie Langtry takes the public on a virtual tour of her studio - check out https://youtu.be/x_3_7NRQRXY for more information.

Wander into Athlone Library for the Midland Photography Club Exhibition from 4pm on Friday, it will remain on display for three weeks thereafter, while the Luan Gallery has extended its opening hours to 7pm where the public can enjoy the highly regarded 'Crowded Thresholds' exhibition and spectacular views of the Shannon.

For those unable to visit the gallery in person on Culture Night, the exhibition can be taken in virtually, as a specially commissioned walkthrough will be available, via the gallery website www.luangallery.ie and social channels.

Also online, Valeria Ceregini, curator of the Luan's upcoming exhibition 'Over Nature' will be hosting an Instagram take over on Luan Gallery’s account from 12pm to 7pm.

Meanwhile, Athlone Castle will extend its visitor centre openings hours for Culture Night 2020 and offer free admission from 5pm to 7pm (last admission at 7pm) on a first-come-first-served basis.

This year, Athlone Castle will focus on highlighting the story of the Great Siege of Athlone 1690-1691.

The castle team will engage with visitors as they explore the visitor centre and grounds and learn about the fierce battle that took place between the Jacobite and Williamite soldiers. An online activity and tour have been prepared for those who cannot visit the site. Check out www.athlonecastle.ie.

In Moate, Dún na Sí will host 'The world captured in Dún na Sí', a free live online event featuring renowned Irish storyteller, Joe Brennan. Joe has performed across the world and has been regaling audiences with engaging folktales, myths, and legends for over fifteen years. The live storytelling session will air on the Dún na Sí Facebook page from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday.