'EnterThe Night' was a huge success on Culture Night in Tipperary

Culture Night took over Ireland on Friday, September 20, with over 1,500 free events taking place across the country. Tipperary was no exception, hosting a wide variety of cultural experiences from Borrisokane to Clonmel. One of the flagship events of the evening was the much-anticipated Enter The Night, an open-air concert held at the newly transformed civic plaza at the old Kickham Barracks site.

The stage was set on Thursday evening, creating a buzz of curiosity as locals and passersby glimpsed preparations for what would become a night to remember. The excitement grew throughout Friday, as event organizers worked diligently under sunny skies to ensure everything was ready for the 7 PM start. Food trucks lined the area, with offerings from Steve Mercer’s The Oven, Soul Pan Fish and Chips, and the new local coffee-truck, The Coffee Note.

The music kicked off just as the sun began to set, with From Out The Land taking the stage. This 2023 theatrical performance, written by playwrights Jack Reardon and Áine Ryan, had first debuted at the Kickham Barracks site a year ago, with an original music soundtrack composed by local artists Kate Twohig. A limited-edition CD of the music was recorded in recent months and brought to life once again by an ensemble of talented local performers, including Eve Whelan, Cathal Walsh, and Sadhbh Treacy, delivering a moving and emotional farewell to this beloved project.

Next up, Eve Whelan returned to the stage with her own set of original music. Accompanied by her own guitar, Eve showcased her signature vocals and introduced new music to an eager crowd, who embraced her exceptional talent with enthusiasm.

The atmosphere then took an electronic turn with The Line, featuring Nenagh’s own Brian Dillon. Now based in Dublin, Dillon’s atmospheric music has made waves, having collaborated with top Irish artists such as Loah, Sorcha Richardson, and Talos. Dillon dedicated his last song to his late friend Eoin French, leaving the crowd in a moment of quiet reflection.

As night truly fell, Clonmel native Kaitlyn O’Regan and her Cork-based band MDR took to the stage. With their upbeat indie rock sound, MDR energized the crowd, leading the audience into a joyful sing-along that set the perfect tone for the night ahead.

Taking the event into a new realm of immersive sound, Vale, the musical project of Eoin Hally, delivered a mesmerising set. Accompanied by a 4-piece vocal ensemble, Hally’s performance was filled with emotion, highlighted by the soaring performance of his unreleased track, ‘From My Island and Onto You

HousePlants

As the night reached its peak, the crowd eagerly awaited the headline act, HousePlants. Fronted by Paul Noonan of Bell X1 and atmospheric producer Daithí, the band took the stage in light-coloured formal wear, greeted by a chorus of cheers. HousePlants delivered an electrifying set of dance-inducing electronic music, opening with their hit ‘Mannequin.’ Their infectious energy, combined with a visually stunning light show, turned the plaza into a sea of dancing and cheering, with audience members of all ages revelling in the joy of live music.

The success of Enter The Night is a testament to the vibrant cultural scene in Tipperary, made possible by When Next We Meet, Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, and the Tipperary Arts Office under the Culture Night Late funding scheme. Attendees praised the exceptional use of the new plaza space for free public events, highlighting the respectful and festive atmosphere throughout the night. This event not only celebrated the joy of live music but also showcased the potential of Tipperary’s public spaces for future cultural endeavours.