Excitement is building as Culture in the Park prepares to return with its biggest celebration yet!
For the first time, the much-loved event is expanding beyond a single day into a vibrant three-day celebration of culture, creativity and community, taking place across the borough from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September.
Packed with live performances, cultural showcases, hands-on workshops, world food experiences and family-friendly activities, this year’s programme promises an unforgettable weekend celebrating the many traditions, talents and communities that make Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon such a special place to live.
The festivities begin on Friday evening at the Marketplace Theatre, Armagh with the University of Ulster’s Flourish workshop, exploring the rich heritage, traditions and shared connections of the Ulster-Scots and Irish languages.
The celebrations then move to Lurgan Park on Saturday, where visitors can enjoy a colourful programme of music, dance, food and cultural experiences from around the world. Performances throughout the day will showcase everything from pipe bands and Irish dancers to Chinese and Indian dance traditions, alongside artisan market stalls, family activities and live cooking demonstrations from talented Food Heartland chefs.
The weekend concludes on Sunday at Banbridge Old Town Hall, where families can enjoy cultural craft workshops and creative activities in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Adding to the excitement, a series of free pre-festival workshops are also taking place across the borough in the lead-up to the event, offering residents the chance to experience some of the cultures and traditions that will be celebrated throughout the weekend.
Participants can try Bollywood dancing, discover authentic Thai cuisine and learn the art of Chinese brush painting before the main festivities begin – so make sure you get booked in!
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said: “We’re incredibly excited to officially launch this year’s Culture in the Park programme and, for the first time, extend the celebrations across an entire weekend.
“This year’s programme offers so many opportunities for people to come together, experience different cultures, enjoy fantastic food and celebrate the traditions that make our area so special. Whether you’re joining us for the Friday evening language and cultural heritage workshop, the main event on Saturday or craft workshops on Sunday, there really is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far for what promises to be our biggest and best Culture in the Park yet!”
Further information on the weekend and to book onto the workshops, click here: Culture in the Park | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
This event will be delivered by the Community Development and Good Relations Team and is funded by TBUC under the District Council Good Relations Programme.
