THE public will have the opportunity to see the interior of some of the City and District’s best known but often unseen buildings as part of the wide ranging programme for Culture Night this Friday, September 20.
Venues across the city and district will throw open their doors and invite you to enjoy an evening of diverse, free entertainment for all ages and interests as part of the island wide celebration of arts, heritage and culture on Friday September 20th.
The 2019 programme has a particular emphasis on community relations to compliment Good Relations Week and has been divided into Visual Arts, Music and Dance, Talks and Discussions, Tours and Trails, Heritage and Museums and Children and Family.
Peter Kelly is the mentor for the Heritage Venues Group comprising Sion Stables in Sion Mills, the Siege Museum, the Museum of Free Derry, the Bluecoat School Heritage Centre, Aras Cholmcille, St Augustine’s Church and St Columb’s Cathedral. He invited the public to come along and explore these fascinating venues.
“The programme for Culture Night 2019 is a unique opportunity for the public to see inside some of our most iconic buildings that they may pass on a daily basis.” he said.
“Booking isn’t required for the events so people can plot their own trail around the venues and come and go at a time that suits them on a Friday evening.
“There is a wide selection of entertainment from story telling, music and historical artefacts to view so why not come along, enjoy a tea of coffee and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds.”
Yarns from the Mill at Sion Stables from 8pm-10pm is an evening of reminiscence, chat and fun where employees of the Mill will share stories and anecdotes about the Mill and their personal and family experiences.
The evening is an opportunity to learn from first-hand experience the history and legacy of Herdmans Mill but, perhaps more importantly, to meet up with old friends and colleagues.
From 7pm – 9pm The Siege Museum invites visitors to sample and enjoy the permanent display of the history of the Siege of Derry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and to provide additional interpretation. Free admission applies.
The Museum of Free Derry invites visitors to come and see its fascinating exhibition and will also host discussions with Bloody Sunday relatives. Free admission applies.
The St Columba Heritage Centre/Aras Cholmcille is hosting a special event where the public are invited to join them from 5pm – 9pm at the St Columba Heritage Centre (Wee Nuns) for a night of music and song, some memories on film of days gone by in the Long Tower Area.
accompanied by some light refreshments.
St Augustine’s Church on the city walls will be open from 7pm to 9pm and will be providing piano and organ music for anyone who is walking the walls. Visitors are invited to come and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while listening to a range of talented musicians.
From 7pm to 8pm St Columb’s Cathedral hosts Music at the Cathedral, a musical hour with the Cathedral’s Boy Choristers and Nicky Morton and Louis Fields on the organ.
Culture Night events are free and suitable for all ages unless otherwise stated and all events are drop in unless pre-booking is stated.
These are just a few of the many highlights taking place on the day, and you can find out more about the full programme at www.derrystrabane.com/culturenight
The full programme for Culture Night 2018 is available to view at www.derrystrabane.com/culturenight
The public can follow the action and share their own experiences on social media using the hashtag #CultureNightDS.
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