Culture Night talents dazzle Kerry

WITH 48 events sprinkled around Kerry last Friday, 2016’s Culture Night was the most extensive yet, and Kerry County Council Arts Officer Kate Kennelly said it was also the most diverse and successful edition to date.

Venues ranging from Dingle’s intimate An Lab to the open settings of Tralee’s Square and the grounds of Killarney House played host to blends of music, dance, film, visual arts, and plenty more, Ms Kennelly explained.

“Culture Night has been up and running since 2007, when it debuted in Dublin with a series of free events to spark people’s interests in the arts,” she said.

“It made its way to Kerry two years later – you might remember it actually because it featured a noble attempt at a Guinness World Record in Tralee for most Irish Dancers in one place!

In 2010, it was expanded to include other parts of the county, and this year happenings could be found in just about every part of Kerry.

Ms Kennelly was particularly impressed with the variety of events, and the willingness of people from elsewhere to share their culture with the people of Kerry.

“I was at one of the events in Siamsa Tíre, and you had people from all over the world both participating and viewing,” Kate said.

“It was terrific to see, because I believe it’s important that all cultures are shared and embraced.”

“The diversity of events was equally refreshing. Sliabh Luachra celebrated its unique musical tradition, Waterville’s Tech Amergin saw people delving into the history of communications, and Irish was central to festivities in our Gaeltachtaí.

“Each region has its own culture, and that point was displayed boldly on Culture Night.”

With interest strengthening with every passing year, Ms Kennelly says that squeezing all of Culture Night’s contents into one night is proving increasingly challenging, and feels a lengthening of its duration is something that could be considered: “There’s so much on, everyone wants to get involved and get to the events, so having it over more than one night is something that might need to be looked at. I’m hugely thankful to all our participants, as well as the people who came to cheer them on. Without them, there would be no culture night!”

Walsh Photo by Domnick Photo by Eamonn Keogh Budding artist Finn Hurley decorating the walls of Siamsa Tíre. Dancers opened Culture Night in Siamsa Tíre with WthelpcoermfoinrgmTahneceStWraenlcgoemr aintg the Stranger. Siamsa Tíre Artist Diana Muller, Etienne and Pamela Muller, Kate Kennelly and Mayor of Kerry Michael O’Shea at the Kerry Visual Artists Showcase Exhibition in the Department of Arts, Killarney on Friday.

Some nearly lost their heads on Culture Night: Sean Cantwell, Nikita Hoare, Rosie Cantwell and Jane Mariea Cantwell go back in time at Kerry County Museum.

Niamh Varian Barry and Dovile Baltoniene of Scotia Ensemble performing at St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Killarney.