Folksongs and fables to celebrate Derry's cultural icon St Columba during Culture Night
The grounds of St Columba’s Church, Long Tower, are set to become a stage for two hours during Culture Night 2026, where folksongs and fables honouring the city’s most important cultural icon, St Columba/Colm Cille, will be shared.
Author and storyteller Peter Heaney will perform a sequence of colourful yarns based on folktales associated with the patron saint.
A local tour guide will connect St Colm Cille to some of the museum’s most prized artefacts.
Local troubadours will perform a selection of greatest hits from the city’s illustrious songbook, along with a display of traditional Irish dancing.
Refreshments and pastries will be available during break sessions.
Organisers said: “Culture Night is, after all, a national moment, so consider it your duty to gather in this hallowed spot and actively support the promotion of our rich Columban culture and heritage, here in the city where it all started.
“So why not join us at Áras Cholmcille as we embark on a new chapter for our museum, café and heritage centre? Culture Night is the first in a series of workshops, activities and events honouring Columba and enriching our everyday lives in this ancient crucible of culture and faith.”
They added that Culture Night is a national moment that aims to celebrate varied rich culture, creativity and the arts.
Culture Night is free of charge and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Heritage Animation grant.
You can take part in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower’s Culture Night on Friday, September 18, with doors opening at 8pm.