Mayo town's laneways set to shine as Culture Night arrives

Ballina is set to sparkle this Culture Night Late as the town’s laneways come alive with music, art and atmosphere for the Laneways and Sessions Music Trail on Friday, September 19 from 6pm to 11pm. 

This unmissable evening will see various laneways throughout Ballina town transformed into intimate, vibrant performance spaces, where talented local musicians and artists will showcase their creativity.

The event is being delivered by Event Audio Visual, The Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Library and the NCF. Adding another important layer, Ballina Autism Friendly Town is working alongside the organisers to ensure inclusive, autism-friendly spaces throughout the trail, while Mayo North Tourism is delighted to help promote this unique cultural celebration and ensure as many people as possible come out to experience it.

Adding a fascinating historical twist, the Jackie Clarke Collection have just showcased a recently rediscovered notebook belonging to Jackie Clarke himself, uncovered by volunteer Trish Greaney. In it, Clarke carefully recorded some of the old names of Ballina’s laneways, a discovery that beautifully connects the past with the present, and history with the arts. The Collection is inviting locals to share their own stories and memories of these laneways, weaving Ballina’s living heritage into this celebration.

READ MORE: Mayo island secures funding for a unique art project

“We’re so excited to see Ballina’s laneways come alive again for Culture Night,” said Anne Marie Forbes of the Jackie Clarke Collection. “Jackie Clarke’s notebook is a wonderful reminder that these laneways have always been full of stories, and now, with music and performance, we’re creating new memories while honouring the old. It’s about connecting people, place, and history in a way that feels very special.”

“Culture Night Late in Ballina is about more than music and art,” added Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism. “It’s about collaboration, local organisations, artists and volunteers working side by side to create something magical and accessible right in the heart of our town. The Laneways and Sessions Music Trail connects heritage with creativity, inclusivity with community spirit, and in doing so it not only enriches local life but also showcases Ballina as a vibrant cultural destination for visitors.”

Laneways and locations throughout Ballina include: Moy Lane, Pawn Office Lane, O’Hora’s Laneway, Cookes/Clarkes Lane, Kathleen Lynn Lane, Market Lane, Harrison’s Lane, 1798 / Quinn’s Lane, the IQ Centre at Market Square and Walsh Street at the Jackie Clarke Collection.

This not-to-be-missed free event promises an unforgettable evening of music, history, inclusivity and community spirit at the very heart of Ballina, and all are invited to attend and soak up the atmosphere.

For further updates and full programme details visit culturenight.ie or follow the Jackie Clarke Collection online.

READ MORE: Mayo literary festival set to celebrate tenth year next month