Culture Night will take place this year on Friday, September 17 with a host of events taking place both live and virtually across the Fermanagh and Omagh district.

Coordinated locally by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Culture Night, now in its sixth year in the district, is a UK and Ireland wide celebration of culture, heritage, creativity and the arts. From late afternoon to after dark, a range of free entertainment, discovery and adventure will be on offer online, at venues and in public spaces across the district.

Speaking about Culture Night, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson said: “While the climate for the arts and cultural sector at this time continues to be challenging, we are beginning to see some light at the end of what has been a long and difficult period with the return of live audiences in our venues.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to present a programme for Culture Night 2021 which highlights and demonstrates the diversity and heritage of our culture while at the same time showcasing the wealth of talent from across our district. There is something for everyone and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who is taking part in the planned events.”

The 2021 programme is once again, a combination of live-streamed, in-person, pre-recorded and online activities and events with more in person events this year. The programme encompasses the whole spectrum of the arts including film, literature and language, music, heritage, drama, sport and multi-arts activities.

Highlights of the packed programme include a performance at the Round O Bandstand by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School students detailing the literary history of Fermanagh, the history of surnames in Dromore and Rounders in Tempo.

Derrylin Amateur Dramatic Society have a host of performances lined up for the night which will be streamed via their Facebook page @derrylindramaticsociety.

Kicking off at 9pm there will be a selection of poetry performed by Councillor Chris McCaffrey and Shane Burke.

Under the theme of 'Culture' 9.30pm will see a range of performances including hip hop and street dance, a traditional mumming display from Aughakillymaude Mummers, Sister Act by Eileen McGovern and Pauline Corrigan and a Yarn Bomb demonstration by Derrylin Crochet Group. Members of the Derrylin Amateur Dramatic Society will take to the virtual stage from 10pm with monologues and short plays. Local musicians and singers Séan McBride, Shauneen Maguire, Damian McCionaoith and Aoife Cathcart will bring Derrylin Amateur Dramatic Society's Culture Night to a close with musical performances.

Audiences will be required to socially distance at the live events and may be required to wear a mask for indoor activities. To view the brochure for Culture Night 2021, please visit Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website. Further information can also be obtained from the Council’s Arts & Culture Facebook page, @fermanaghomagharts.