AIM Ireland and Dublin City Council to organise Bright Nights, Big City Night-Time Economy conference

A night-time economy conference will take place at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on September 22.

Titled Bright Nights, Big City – Culture, Music and the Future of the Night-Time Economy, it is organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) Ireland in partnership with Dublin City Council's Night-Time Economy Office. It aims to investigate how cities can bring about vibrant, safe and sustainable night-time economies with Irish and international leaders from culture, music, hospitality, tourism, government and city development.

A Night-Time Economy Taskforce was established by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in July 2020. It supports the Night-Time Economy Advisor pilot programme to "create a safe and welcoming environment between 6pm and 6am." This includes live music, theatres, galleries, restaurants and hospitality as well as pubs and clubs during the night.

Ray O'Donoghue was appointed Dublin City Council's Night-Time Economy Advisor in April 2024. Over 100 cities internationally have appointed similar roles.

"Ireland has become a global success story for live music and culture," O'Donoghue said.

"The challenge now is ensuring our cities evolve at the same pace. Great night-time economies don't happen by accident. They are built through partnerships between government, culture, hospitality, transport and local communities.

"Around the world we're seeing cities invest in vibrant, welcoming and safe places beyond the traditional working day because they recognise the value they bring to communities, visitors and local economies. Bright Nights, Big City is about bringing those conversations to Ireland and learning from some of the people leading that change internationally."

Dublin City Council highlighted the change of consumer habits and hospitality since Covid, stating that 3 million tickets have been sold for summer events and younger generations are "increasingly seeking experience-led activities."

"Every headline act starts somewhere," Colm Hanley, Managing Director at AIM Ireland, said.

"Today's grassroots venue is where we'll discover the next CMAT, Fontaines D.C. or Kneecap. Ireland's biggest concerts and festivals are a tremendous success story, but they're built on a foundation of independent artists, grassroots venues and local promoters.

"Supporting that ecosystem is essential, not only for the future of Irish music, but for creating vibrant cities and a thriving night-time economy. We're looking forward to welcoming speakers from Ireland and around the world to share ideas, challenge thinking and help shape what comes next."