Now in its third year, Creative Places Baltinglass is a community-led three-year project that celebrates Baltinglass people and place and is funded by the Arts Council under the Creatives Places Scheme.
Curated by local artists and creatives, Mark Caplice, Vincent Gethings, Rachel Kane, and Karen Allison, in collaboration with Wicklow County Arts Office, Baltinglass Culture Night features a rich, diverse and dynamic range of experiences and live performances for people of all ages to enjoy free of charge.
On the main stage in Stratford Lodge the line-up includes headliner Róisín O - one of Ireland's most accomplished female vocalists, celebrated for her unrivalled stage performances and songwriting prowess. With roots in folk and alternative pop, and influences from Joni Mitchell to Haim, Róisín O has solidified her reputation as one of Ireland's most talented singers and performers. Róisín O will be supported on the night by performances from local musicians Sam Ali, Amy Barrett, Taylor Hase and Kendal Moody.
The Baltinglass Library will feature a curated Miscellany of Music, Song and Short Story. The evening will feature musical performances by Suzanne Toomey, Rachel Conlon, and Cormac Doyle along with Aidan O’Brien and Mary and Ann Minchin. The Dunlavin Creative Writers (Florence Grace, Maria Kelly, and Ursula O’Toole) along with the Rathdangan Creative Writers (Alpha Connelly and Henrike Lehmeier) will share their original short stories with us.
Culture Night Artisan Craft Market co-hosted by Rachel Kane (Wicklow Marketplace) and Karen Allison (Craft Craic Candles), will take place in Germaine’s Inisfail hotel, from 5pm - 9pm. There will be over twenty stallholders showcasing crafts from around the county. Craft demonstrations will take place in the foyer, where people of all ages can come and watch how some of the crafts on display are made. Come and meet artists including Edel Horgan, Sally Joyce, Michelle Lenehan and Maeve Hunter to name a few, alongside photographers Martin Blake, Philip Reilly and Sheila Kavanagh. Jewellery by Rosella Doherty, Carolyn Browne. Sample gourmet treats by local favourites by local favourites Grá Arán, Russborough Honey and Graney goodies. experience woodturning by William Kenny, and much more.
There will be two workshops for older children and teenagers. A Writing Workshop with children’s author Marian Brennan takes place in the Baltinglass Library from 5pm - 6pm. Virtual Reality Workshops tailored for ages 12 – 18 take place in Fatima Hall, and will run in 15-minute slots from 5pm - 7pm. This curated selection of VR experiences allows you to climb virtual mountains, step into the shoes of a Jedi in Star Wars or move to the rhythm in Beat Saber.
Baltinglass Sings the very popular community-based singing group, will perform in the Baltinglass Library. And West Wicklow bluegrass band The Blueberry Pickers will play in Horan’s Lounge from 9pm until late.
Local creatives Andrew Mooney and Diarmuid MacDiarmada will host Secret Sonic Cinémathèque: Silent films, live contemporary scores in Fatima Hall. Secret Sonic Cinémathèque is a unique presentation of short silent movies or excerpts of movies with a live score performed by the SSC ensemble. The movies span a broad range from documentaries to fantastic imaginings to experimental processes. The audience will experience a wide and varied series of sights and sounds as the group works through their prescribed works, along with several ‘surprise’ films, chosen with the participation of the audience.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien said he was "delighted to see that this year’s Culture Night programme encompasses fourteen locations across County Wicklow and ensures local arts, creativity and citizens are represented.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman stated that she was “delighted to see another vibrant programme in Baltinglass for the third year in a row. Creative Places has enabled the local community and the Wicklow County Arts Office to produce an innovative and engaging programme of events.”
All events are free. Booking for Róisín O in Stratford Lodge, Secret Sonic Cinémathèque and the Children's Writing Workshop is recommended at links below, but not essential.
https://ticketpass.org/event/EUPECA/secret-sonic-cinematheque-culture-night-2024-heavenly-bodies
See the full Wicklow Culture Night programme at https://culturenight.ie/location/wicklow/
This is your chance to have your say. Fill in the form below and get involved in this exciting project for Baltinglass.
