LIMERICK CITY is throwing open the doors of its cultural venues to the public for free as part of a huge programme of events organised for Culture Night 2008 on September 19th.
Culture Night was launched in Dublin two years ago in an effort to provide an imaginative way for people of all ages and from all backgrounds to access cultural venues. Last year more than 80,000 people participated in Dublin, so it has been expanded this year to include Limerick, Cork, Galway and Waterford.
In Limerick, museums, galleries, theatres, castles and other venues throughout the city will host free cultural events for members of the public to enjoy.
At the launch of the event yesterday, Limerick city arts officer Sheila Deegan said 14 organisations throughout Limerick would be involved in Culture Night 2008.
"You can walk the walls of Limerick at 5pm, then go to King John's Castle and hear about the history, go to the Printmakers and join a workshop until 9pm and then play bingo for art in the City Gallery," she said.
"You'll get it all in easily if you just wander around." Mayor of Limerick John Gilligan said he hoped people would take the opportunity to get the most out of the events that had been organised.
"When we go abroad we visit a lot of cultural institutions, but we don't always do it in our own city," Mr Gilligan said. "Limerick has an active and thriving art and cultural life and a rich and varied history.
"This is the perfect chance to enjoy free access to plenty of family-friendly venues and really enjoy a great night out."
The programme of events for Limerick includes: walks of the old walls at King John's Castle from 5pm; free access until 10pm to the Hunt Museum, the Georgian House and Garden, Pery Square and Limerick City Museum, and traditional music at Conradh na Gaeilge in Thomas Street from 5pm-10pm along with storytelling by Eddie Lenihan.
Daghdha Dance Company invites everyone to visit its space at John of the Cross church in John's Square, while Limerick actor Mike Finn will host a bingo night at Limerick City Gallery of Art. Also in the City Gallery, there will be an exhibition by Turner Prize-winning artist Simon Starling.