Strabane Town of Culture Information Event for Culture Night
15 September 2026
As part of the Culture Night festivities taking place within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, is a community engagement event aimed at getting people behind Strabane’s UK Town of Culture bid. The Strabane Town of Culture Information Afternoon will take place at Strabane Library on Culture Night, Friday 18 September, from 2pm to 5pm. The event has been organised following Strabane’s success in being shortlisted as one of only 15 places across the UK to compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title.
As part of the Culture Night festivities taking place within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, is a community engagement event aimed at getting people behind Strabane’s UK Town of Culture bid.
The Strabane Town of Culture Information Afternoon will take place at Strabane Library on Culture Night, Friday 18 September, from 2pm to 5pm. The event has been organised following Strabane’s success in being shortlisted as one of only 15 places across the UK to compete for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 title.
This drop-in session offers a fantastic opportunity for locals to get involved and make their voices heard. Residents of all ages are invited to pop in anytime between 2pm and 5pm to chat, discover what the title could mean for the town, and find out how to be part of the journey. It’s aimed at those who want to participate, share a creative idea, or simply learn more about the bid.
Alongside the community consultation, attendees can enjoy free face-painting, balloon modelling, and live music from Darren Doherty throughout the afternoon.
Highlighting the significance of the town's recent shortlist milestone, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: "Culture Night is a fantastic celebration of everything that makes our region so vibrant and creative. Having Strabane officially shortlisted for the Town of Culture is an incredible achievement that shines a spotlight on our local talent and community spirit. I would encourage everyone to come along to the information session on Culture Night, get involved, and help shape this exciting next chapter for the town.”
Deirdre Harte, Programme Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council who is leading on the bid, said: “Culture is central to Strabane’s bid, reflecting the town’s heritage, creativity, people and shared stories. The bid process provides an important opportunity to engage the community and ensure that plans are genuinely shaped by those who live, work and create in the area. By celebrating our local heritage, grassroots arts and cultural life, the bid can build civic pride, strengthen community connections, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
In addition to this event at Strabane Library, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the wider programme of free events that are taking place across Derry and Strabane for Culture Night. All Culture Night events are free of charge. For the full programme and event information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/culturenight
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