Laois celebrates a triumphant night of artistic brilliance

Culture Night 2026 proved to be an overwhelming success across County Laois, demonstrating the region's burgeoning commitment to the arts. With 21 distinct events held across ten towns and villages, the initiative saw a remarkable increase in local engagement, reflecting a community eager to share its creative spirit. This expansion was bolstered by the consistent efforts of Music Generation Laois and the Laois School of Music, which have long nurtured local talent, alongside the council's investment in dedicated outdoor performance spaces like Croí na Choille in Portlaoise.

This year’s programme was defined by both inclusivity and innovation, featuring a series of high-profile collaborations. Creative producer Marina Rafter played a pivotal role in bringing diverse voices to the forefront, including choreographer Ram Rengarajan’s new piece, The One, performed alongside Laois Youth Dance. Furthermore, the Dunamaise Arts Centre hosted mesmerising performances from Kathak dancer Moumita Pal and composer Sagnik Chakraborty, while spoken word artist Felicia Olusanya captivated audiences with her electric delivery and unique poetic flair.

Beyond individual performances, the night fostered meaningful social connections through strategic partnerships. The Laois Arts Office collaborated with the St. Fintan’s Campus Community of Sounds Choir and facilitated a debut performance by Men’s Shed Ukulele groups from Rathdowney and Mountmellick. These initiatives, supported by the Arts Council, Creative Ireland Laois, and the Laois Library Service, underscored the event's core mission: to provide a national platform for creativity that resonates within every town, village, and rural corner of the county. Further details and imagery from the evening are available on the official Laois Arts website.