What's happening for Culture Night in Sligo this year

Culture Night returns to Sligo this year, bringing a full evening of music, art, food and performance to venues across the county. Organised as part of the national Culture Night initiative, the event gives people a chance to explore local galleries, theatres, museums and community spaces, many of which open their doors for free.

This year's programme features a wide mix of activities for all ages, with something on offer whether you're after live music, hands on workshops or a quiet look round a historic building.

Here's are some of the things happening in Sligo:

At the Factory Performance Space on Lower Quary Street, award-winning conductor and Sligo native Ciara Murphy, alongside the Sligo Orpheus Choir, will present A Singing Sligo - an inclusive, interactive choral workshop celebrating the joy of collective singing.

Open to adults of all musical backgrounds, from complete beginners to experienced singers, the workshop will explore catchy canons and rounds from a range of cultural traditions, including Irish folk melodies, African chants, Scandinavian rhythms and contemporary global canons.

Participants will learn together through guided warm-ups and rehearsals before joining in a relaxed final group performance. No previous singing experience is needed.

Neo-druidic bard, folk musician, poet and singer Seán-Pól O Peatáin will also host a live performance at Sligo Bus Station, featuring a selection of his original songs and poetry alongside classic folk covers, accompanied by guitar, bodhrán and cláirseach (early medieval Irish harp).

Meanwhile, GreenBirdFlying and poet Mary Branley will join the long-running Sounds Good session at Ellen’s Pub in Maugherow, for an evening celebrating music, poetry and storytelling. Blending original music with spoken word, the event will also invite local musicians, singers, poets and writers to take part. Established 17 years ago, the Sounds Good session has become a much-loved gathering for local performers and visitors alike, welcoming professional and emerging artists in an informal setting.

Culture Night is free to attend and runs from early evening until late, with most venues open between 5pm and 9pm unless stated otherwise. Some events may require booking in advance, so check with individual venues for details. For the full list of participating venues and events in Sligo, visit culturenight.ie.