Crowds to gather for Belfast's Culture Night

80,000 people are expected to hit Belfast City Centre for the annual culture night

Hundreds of events will take place comprising of art, music, theatre, debate and food. 

Events will be running throughout the day in Cathedral Quarter.

Culture Night Programme Manager Adam Turkington said:

“Every year, people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities converge on the city centre to celebrate the diversity and variety of Culture Night. I’m hugely proud of what we’ve achieved.

"For one evening every year, Belfast demonstrates all of its mind-blowing creative wealth all at once. The momentum continues to grow as Belfast’s artists, creative practitioners and businesses come together to offer an enticing snapshot of the quality and depth of cultural activity in our city!" he added.

The organiser said: "There’s so much happening on 16 September that I invite everyone who’s curious or even unsure to come on down and join us. We promise you’ll have an unforgettable evening. And we promise that this year’s Culture Night will be better than ever!”

Listen up you lot! All new #CNB16 events now unloaded onto our website! Check it out... https://t.co/iJ2yzRZfi9 pic.twitter.com/7lRZl9mWD3

— CultureNight Belfast (@CultureNightBel) 15 September 2016

Some of the highlights include a free curry feast for all! Belfast Harbour and the Belfast Food Network are setting the biggest dinner table ever along Donegall Street, transforming it into a unique, outdoor dining venue to help “Feed the 5000” with a completely environmentally sustainable curry!

This will be prepared by Buddhist specialist food chef “Para”, and made from local surplus produce donated from by local farmers using compostable plates and cutlery. 

Feed the 5000 is the grand finale of Culture Night’s Breaking Bread project, aimed at promoting the building of friendships and communities over the simple act of sharing a meal.

Fully fortified, revellers can then go and enjoy street performances, theatre, live music, talks, tours, tickle competitions, pro-wrestling, walking tours, water gun fun, silly games, paint-based frolics, street art and organised joyful mayhem taking place in every space and around every corner until 10pm.

Other highlights include the Power Ballad Karaoke Championships on the Electric Ireland Stage at Cathedral Gardens (shoulder pads optional), the return of the traditional Culture Night Big Drum Circle, pantomime horse racing, wrestling, Street Countdown and a live Father Ted Podcast!

Tthis year’s packed programme will include the return of My Big Fat Gay Wedding, medieval sword fighting (in a car park, naturally), the slow bike race and the raucous return of Belfast Rockets roller derby champions in Writer’s Square. And that’s just for starters…

Meanwhile additional Metro Bus services due to operate this evening to help get people home. 

A spokesperson from Translink said: “Metro bus services will run at 11.30pm and 12.30am on key routes along the 12 main Metro corridors across Greater Belfast.

“Anyone travelling to Culture Night is encouraged to use public transport to get into Belfast City Centre."