Culture Night 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights of the year in the Boyne Valley. On Friday 19th September, doors will open across towns and villages for an evening of free events, exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Now in its 20th year, Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is a nationwide celebration of creativity and community, and the Boyne Valley always delivers a memorable programme.
From live music and choir recitals to late-night cultural happenings, art exhibitions, and family-friendly workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Below are some highlights to look forward to.
Cautionary Tales at Solstice Arts Centre
Cautionary Tales is a wickedly funny and delightfully naughty opera for families and children (ages 7+) – the perfect way to switch off and tune in together. Based on Hilaire Belloc’s classic poems, this fast-paced and clever production brings the antics of Rebecca, Jim, Henry, and Matilda hilariously to life. Their mischief and mayhem are matched by catchy music, dark humour, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this is one family opera outing that’s as smart as it is fun. Cautionary Tales is presented by Opera Collective Ireland.
Find out more here.
Night Moves Late Night – Droichead Arts Centre
Culture Night continues long after sunset in Drogheda thanks to the Night Moves Late Night programme. Produced by Droichead Arts Centre with Louth County Council Arts Office and local partners, this flagship event will see the town transformed into a hub of late-night creativity. Expect ambitious, innovative, and intergenerational experiences designed to showcase Drogheda’s vibrant cultural scene.
It’s an opportunity to experience art and performance in shared spaces, with a special focus on creating a dynamic night-time economy. Running from 9.30pm until late, it promises energy, atmosphere, and plenty of surprises.
Celebration of Irish Culture
Taking place at Duleek Courthouse. A celebration of Irish Culture, with local musicians, singers and dancers. There will be Irish poetry and stories. Light Refreshments will be served. Entry free. All welcome.
Find out more here.
EDG Arts Enfield Culture Night 2025
EDG Arts presents a diverse mix of live music, dance, poetry, and an exhibition of fashion Junk Kouture on Enfield’s main street. Music presented will include young bands from the Blast Music Academy and Enfield Community College. Adult Music performers include the new SUSO Enfield Community Choir, The Motherpluckers Ukuele Group, and Enfield Comhaltas Ceoltóirí. A diverse dance line-up will include young local dance and drama from GK stage Academy , Embrace Dance Academy present young ballerinas, Connolly school of Irish Dancing, and a unique presentation from Nirthya Natyalya Bharatanatyam of fusion Irish-Indian dance. Enfield Poetry Circle showcase their 1st year of poems.
Find out more here.
Boyne Tradfest – Highlanes Gallery
For fans of traditional Irish music, Boyne Tradfest brings together two outstanding young performers:
- Éilís Needham, a multi-instrumentalist and All-Ireland champion harpist and accordionist from Sligo.
- River McGann, the 2024 Fiddler of London from Clare, recognised for his expressive and distinctive style.
Together, they will perform as part of the evening programme at Highlanes Gallery from 18:45–19:20. The concert complements Maud Cotter’s exhibition maelstrom, adding a musical layer to the cultural experience.
Ceramic Animal Whistles Workshop – Highlanes Gallery
Culture Night is a chance to get hands-on, and this workshop is perfect for families. Adriana Torres Escobedo will guide participants in making clay whistles, transforming them into playful animals or imaginative creatures.
Taking inspiration from the gallery’s exhibition maelstrom, children and parents alike can unleash their creativity while learning simple ceramic techniques. All materials are provided, so just bring your imagination.
Highlanes Gallery
18:15–20:15
Booking required
Maud Cotter: Maelstrom – Highlanes Gallery
One of Ireland’s leading contemporary artists, Maud Cotter, presents maelstrom, a major solo exhibition engaging with ideas of change, time, and the relational nature of matter. Large-scale works will fill both floors of the Highlanes Gallery, responding to the scale and history of the site.
The exhibition is complemented by engagement with the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection, weaving the old with the new. This is an unmissable chance to experience thought-provoking contemporary art in a stunning historic setting.
Highlanes Gallery
18:15–20:15
Booking required
Tredagh Singers Recital – Highlanes Gallery
Bringing voices together since 1970, the Tredagh Singers are a local choir with an international reputation. Their Culture Night recital will feature a mix of Old English and Irish song, delivered by over 60 mixed voices in the beautiful setting of the Highlanes Gallery.
Expect harmonies that fill the space and a repertoire that spans centuries, making this performance a highlight of the evening.
Highlanes Gallery
19:30–20:15
Booking required
Craic n’ Roll Tour of Drogheda
Celebrate Culture Night this year with Father Damo! Joe Rooney wants to take you on a whirlwind comedy walk, performing in some of the businesses and creative places in Drogheda with family-friendly material in Drogheda Library, rockin’ music in Bigmoon Record Store, spoken word in Highlanes Gallery and ending at McHughs Pub with a Father Ted quiz.
Find out more here
Culture night at Millmount
The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre Choir, will perform upbeat and cheerful music of popular songs from recent decades. Tales of ’57 Old Drogheda Society bring us an evening of songs and stories, celebrating the 1957 all Ireland final victory. The museum will also be open for people to explore.
Find out more here.
Culture Night is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of arts and heritage in the Boyne Valley, all free of charge. Whether you’re drawn to late-night music, family workshops, or thought-provoking art, the night offers something for every taste and every age.
Plan your evening, bring friends and family, and be part of this nationwide celebration.
Discover the full Boyne Valley programme here
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