34
Thousands of people are expected to participate in the annual celebration of arts and culture, featuring a wide range of activities from theatre, music, and dance to podcasting, painting, and poetry.
From the capital’s iconic heritage sites to its quirky off-beat arts venues, all events are completely free to attend, inviting everyone of all ages to join the celebrations.
From 9pm on Culture Night, a new initiative called “City Sounds”, supported by Dublin City Council, will highlight Ireland’s growing soundsystem culture, transforming a number of Dublin’s streets into outdoor dance floors.
Essex Street will showcase the iconic Bang Bike mobile sound system, playing old-school classics. Capel Street, will host a lineup of Techno DJs curated by Interruption and Central Plaza will feature the Cork-based collective Rise Up Soundsystem.
Speaking at the announcement of the City Sounds programme Conor “Jonezy” Jones, of Rise Up Soundsystem encouraged members of the public to come join the celebrations: “Visitors to Dublin city this Culture Night are in for a fantastic experience! We will be hosting an open-air party at Central Plaza on Dame Street, celebrating electronic music and sound-system culture. A variety of DJs will be performing genres including bass-heavy tracks, reggae, dancehall, garage, and jungle. This event promises to be a unique occasion and first for Dublin city. I encourage people of all ages to come by, you won’t be disappointed.”
Earlier in the evening, a Brazilian edition of City Sounds will see Central Plaza transform into a “Brazilian paradise” with introductory classes in Brazilian Forró dance, along with performances by Dublin’s renowned samba group, 353 Samba Club, celebrated for their electrifying rhythms and engaging stage presence.
This year’s programme also includes several specially commissioned events supported by Dublin City Council. Meeting House Square will be a hive activity with everything from neurodivergent-friendly circus spectacle and “Queer Set Dancing” to live performances from the likes of Culchie Goth, Roo Honeychild, JyellowL and a host of electronic DJs curated by BPM Energy Ltd.
At Wood Quay Amphitheatre, a unique Culture Night event will honour Mongolian culture, featuring traditional Mongolian throat singing, dance, and music that is distinctive to Mongolia. Additionally, a unique bi-lingual cabaret show will showcase several spectacular divas celebrating the beauty of the Irish language.
For those looking to continue the celebrations into the early hours, the “Nocturnal Beats” Late Night Venue Trail will showcase electronic music and DJ culture across a host of nightclubs, late-night bars, and cultural spaces across the city.
Featured Image: Members of the 353 Samba Club will be performing as part of City Sounds during this Friday’s Culture Night. Picture: Julien Behal
