Packed programme of events in Longford for Culture Night

All events and activities are free and celebrate culture, creativity and the arts. A range of events are set to take place across County Longford.

Venues new and old will throw open their doors for the night that emphasises the “culture for all” ideal.

Longford Town hosts 'New Skin for the Old Ceremony'. This event will see local performing artists celebrate the music of Leonard Cohen. It takes place in The Red Room, PVs, Longford town from 6:30pm.

This tribute pays homage to the legendary singer-songwriter, poet, and icon Leonard Cohen, whose timeless artistry has left an indelible mark on the world of music and literature. Audiences will be treated to renditions of Cohen's most beloved songs, such as "Hallelujah," "Suzanne," and "Bird on the Wire," performed by talented local musicians.

Poets will recite verses that echo Cohen's lyrical prowess, and visual artists will showcase their interpretations of his powerful words through stunning displays."New Skin for the Old Ceremony" invites attendees to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Leonard Cohen's work, celebrating the enduring beauty of his artistry and the enduring impact of his words.

This heartfelt tribute promises a night of inspiration, reflection, and connection, making it a must-attend event for both Cohen enthusiasts and those discovering his artistry for the first time.Performers Include: Darragh Coady, Alias Fitz, Siofra Jordan, Josephine Dolan/Aimee Dolan, Tilly Crossan, Tommy Kelly, Shane Kennedy, Kaj Klimski and Aisling O' Reilly.

Counter Culture is an evening of film, comedy and music by young emerging Longford artists, including Drongo Billy and Rural Noise. It will take place in Lyon's Bar, Longford town from 8pm.

Looking for Happiness in Longford will see artist Anna Wiercioch invites the public to visit her pop-up portrait photography gallery of people she has met in Longford in her search for happiness, it takes place in Market Square, Longford town from 2pm.

Celebrating Culture with Poems & Stories is an event by Longford Writers Group who invite participants to share an evening of poetry and storytelling with local writers. The invite is to grab a chair, grab a glass, sit back and be entertained at The Bottleneck Bar, Longford town from 6:30pm.

Afro Beats Music is a night of African culture experienced through music from different genres such as Amaplano, Juju, Full Highlife, Malissa, Kizomba and others. It is hosted in Escabar, Annaly Hotel, Langford town from 7pm.

The Craft Master's Café is an exciting new venture for Longford town. This new gallery has been set up to provide the public an opportunity to meet and work with international artists currently living in the Midlands. It is in Unit 2, Grafton Court, Longford town and is open all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In Edgeworthstown The Maria Edgeworth Legacy is an opportunity to experience the Edgeworth museum brought to life by local expert guides. It takes place in the Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown.

The Maria Edgeworth Centre and Museum houses a wonderful collection of artefacts associated with Edgeworthstown and the Edgeworth Family. The collection has been put together over a period of fifty years.

It's recognised internationally as one of the finest collections of books, manuscripts and objects associated with this remarkable family. Since opening to the public in 2019 the museum has attracted visitors from all parts of the globe.

The collection includes manuscripts dating back to the 18th century and can only be viewed in this museum.Culture Night 2023 will be an opportunity for the public to come and visit the museum where an expert guide will be on hand to talk about the collection and the future plans for the museum.

In Kenagh a Culture Evening presents the best of local musicians and performers of all ages entertain the local community with an evening of culture. It will be held in the Corlea Trackway Centre, Kenagh from 7:30pm.

Kenagh Culture Evening will bring together the best of local musicians and performers of all ages to entertain and bring together the local community to share an evening of culture. Most performers have never had an opportunity or the courage to perform in public before.

It’s very much a way to promote socialising, musical exchange among like minded people who are enjoying the chance to showcase and improve their talents.In January 2023 it was decided with the support of the local GAA club to promote and encourage culture and participation within the Kenagh community. So far it has been a very positive experience, meeting up on a number of occasions bringing people who have an interest in music and song to perform together.

As part of the Granard's town Twinning celebrations 'Bon Nuit Granard' sees the community hosting visitors from East Rouen.

The Knights & Conquests Centre curated a night of trad music with the John Dungan CCE branch. It takes place in the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre, Granard from 6pm.

On this the 225th Anniversary of ‘The Year of the French’, Granard will once more welcome the French, as Granard hosts a large delegation from East Rouen. The public are also invited to join in on Culture Night in a celebration of tradition music, storytelling, song and dance.

Moyne is the location for a Pop-Up Gaeltacht at the Haggard. The Micro Gaeltacht returns to the Haggard with celste anna, ceol agus craic for gach daoine of all levels of ability from 7:30pm

The town of Lanesborough presents Art by the Lake. Guests are invited to join Hanion Art for an evening of painting and chat by the beautiful Shannon. All materials will be supplied. Hather in the Public Park, Lanesborough from 6:30pm.