The Alley Theatre in Strabane will be joining forces with Lifford Old Courthouse on Friday September 22nd, for a special evening of mobile entertainment at Groove on the Move, taking people on a cultural walking journey between the two venues.
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, encouraged people to take the opportunity to enjoy some new cultural experiences.
“This is a District steeped in culture and Culture Night provides the perfect excuse to support the local arts scene and take in events and performances which are new and refreshing.
“We have a plethora of local talent here, and Culture Night is a great showcase for local performers hoping to reach out to new audiences. All the events are free so the evening is open to everyone to enjoy.
“As we prepare our joint bid with Belfast for European Capital of Culture 2023, it’s important that we all think about how we can contribute to developing a future cultural programme which is relevant, inspiring and transformative for the entire region.”
The evening begins at 6pm in the Old Courthouse with an exhibition titled ‘Lifford: Stories from the County Town’ featuring readings from the Gateway Writers.
There will also be work on display from local painter and sculptor Marina Hamilton.
If music is more your thing then you’ll love the Cell Sessions featuring a variety of musicians performing in the original dungeons of the Old Courthouse.
Performers will include Martin McColgan, who will be performing a number of well-known Irish Ballads, Bryan McWilliams with the very best Irish and Scottish Folk music and Patricia Morris, folk singer-songwriter.
Culture Night will continue on its journey with a guided trail stopping off en route for a series of musical milestones.
The four sculptural pieces on the way to the Alley Theatre act as cultural stop offs, and the entertainment begins with music at the History Table in the Diamond, Lifford, followed by a piper at the Cod Steaks (the Coins) Lifford.
The trail will then continue to the Tinnies site in Strabane where Niamh McGranaghan’s Irish Dancers will perform before Dance Inclusion bring the trail to an end at Where Dreams Come From (Ambrose) in the Alley, Strabane.
The evening’s entertainment will continue at the Alley Theatre at 8pm where Foyle Opera will present a selection of well-known operatic arias and choruses including Carmen and a few lesser known arias, under the baton of Artistic Director Ann Jenkins.
Contemporary music fans will have the chance to jam at the Open Mic night with Pulse in their studio on Butcher St, Strabane from 7.30pm-9.30pm. All are welcome and all events are free of charge.
Culture Night events will be taking place right across the country on September 22nd.
Other local highlights include a Highland Dance Open Night in the Sollus Centre, Bready, as well as a number of events in Derry.
For details on the full programme go to www.derrystrabane.com/culturenight
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