Upwards of 30,000 people, over 250 events, more than 100 venues and one night of all things cultural – Friday 20th September saw Culture Night return to the Cathedral Quarter for its fifth successful year in Belfast.
Where do we even start? Belfast’s Culture Night just gets bigger and better every single year, and with comedy, workshops, music, food, games, theatre, street art and so much more, CNB13 was no exception. There’s so 
much going on everywhere on Culture Night that it would be impossible to mention it all, but we’ll give it a go!
We started our night off with a pre-Culture Night party on the Lagan onboard the Mona (run by the Lagan Boat Company), this consisted of a tour of the Titanic Quarter to take in the sights. We saw great views of the Titanic Building, the dry dock and The Paint Hall Titanic Studios, along with tons of seals sunbathing at the harbour, then with a quick stop to say hi to the Pastie Bap fish mascot we were off into the evening!
First up was a trip to the Black Box for a slice of pizza and a listen to some of the bands at their Live Music Showcase, then on to catch some of Street Countdown (based on an episode of the IT Crowd) and Apocalypse Mime (a series of 5 minute plays every 15 minutes by Jagged Frog Productions). Next up was Studio NI’s Book-Readings and Booze to celebrate their 9th Anniversary. We also caught some of the Warriors of Xi’an Exhibition in Saint Anne’s Square and the Sing and Dance for Victory at the Northern Ireland War memorial for some 1940’s swing.
Writer’s Square was buzzing as per usual, with the Opening Ceremony, a Big Fat Drum Circle and Wheels of Derby (a Belfast Roller Derby showcase) to name a few of the events that went on. One of the highlights of CNB13 was definitely comedian Paul Currie’s set, it seemed like he was standing in for Pigeon and Plum. After drumming up business outside Keats & Chapman Bookshop (which is amazing by the way, stacked high with books of all kinds), the Jim Henson Company trained puppeteer performed his hour and a half long Sticky Bivouac show despite being attacked by a guy he tried to feed milk to (odd I know, but only in Belfast…). Paul handed out chips, played the xylophone and performed a hilarious musical number with a puppet, we only caught half of the show, but are definitely looking forward to his follow-up show as a part of the Belly Laughs Festival – Sticky Bivouac 2
Check out our video below of some of the action!
Also, I don’t know about you, but hearing Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer sing ‘All Hail the Chap’ while playing a tiny banjo has been on my bucket list for a long long time, and now thanks to Culture Night I can tick that one off the list!
All in all, this year’s event was a peaceful and well organised example of just how excellent Belfast is and how much of a good time we can make for each other. Roll on next year, well done Belfast, you’ve done it again
