The Imagine Festival launch on Thursday last proved the ideal precursor to Culture Night
This year’s Culture Night, which was held on Friday last, proved to be a great success.
The warm autumn evening meant that people could watch bands perform outdoors without being too cold.
The De La Salle Scout Pipe Band played in front of the House of Waterford Crystal on the Mall and attracted, tourists, locals and interest from passing motorists. Over on Bailey’s New Street, at the back of the Munster Bar, the Barrack Street Band performed and it marvellous to walk around the city and hear nice music on such a pleasant evening.
Nearby in Greyfriars, City & County Council Arts Officer, Conor Nolan announced a ‘scratch night’, where four different young artists spoke about their art to an interested audience, giving background to their work: namely Sarah Roche, Shane Phelan Denis Power and Ruth Brennan.
Shane gave a good insight into his thoughts of how he produced a reproduction of some well known works.
His light at the end of the tunnel reminded one of Spain or Lisbon, but was actually an online image from France and how darkness can lead to light and positivity at the end of the tunnel. This was Shane’s view of how the world has been dark with recession and hopelessness and now is moving forward with light at the end – we hope he is right. Earlier art teacher Christine O Brien-Shanahan had given a talk at the same venue.
Upstairs in Greyfriars, Waterford Music Club and the ‘Three Sisters’ City of Culture bid had displays.
Nearby, Central Hall Arts Centre had an exhibition and there was also some DJ music in the arts centre.
Over in the library, there was an arts on the railings exhibition while Christ Church had a music musings event, titled ‘Mental Musings Matter’ which also formed part of the Diversity Festival.
Meanwhile, at the Edmund Rice Centre, a Congo art exhibition was hosted, also as part of Diversity Festival with music held later in the Ship Room with Dulcet, Gymboree as well as Hawkeye Falconry.
Out in Tramore there was a Spanish music event with Joey Whelan held at the Coastguard Centre.
Overall, there was a great effort extolled in Waterford and hopefully those that didn’t go will attend next year as there was lots to do and see. Well done to Conor Nolan, the arts team, performers and exhibitors.
