Brussels celebrates Culture Night

The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels was delighted to showcase the best of Northern Irish food, culture and music at our annual Culture Night event on 22 September.  Part of the Brussels Platform, our collaboration with the Arts Council NI, this was our tenth Culture Night and it has proved to be on of our most popular events.  This year guests enjoyed a performance by Maghera Trad musician Jack Warnock, and were able to peruse an exhibition featuring the winners and finalists of the inaugural Bradley Art Prize, while trying delicious food and drinks from Northern Ireland.

The Bradley Art Prize, is a new initiative created by Northern Ireland artist Terry Bradley and his wife, Ashley Foresythe-Bradley, which seeks to recognise and drive creativity among Northern Ireland’s young artists. NI Brussels Director, Aodhán Connolly, was on the panel of judges tasked with choosing the winners and finalists of the Bradley Art Prize. Winners and runners up received a cash prize and the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in Terry Bradley’s studio in Belfast as well as in our Brussels Office.  It was a pleasure to have the winners, Holly-Mae Greer and Sophie Hewitt, in attendance as well as other finalists. Guests were blown away by the exhibition which will remain on display in the office for a few months.  Anyone wishing to see the exhibition please contact info.brusselsoffice@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

Jack Warnock gave an incredible performance to an enthusiastic audience. His talents have earned him nomination for countless prestigious awards, such as the BBC Young Folk Award, the ACNI ‘Young musicians platform’ award and senior accompaniment award at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Jack is a true performer and it is no surprise that he impressed the audience with his renditions of classic Trad songs, as well as songs from his debut album Le Solas Faoithine.

The evening continued with guests enjoying delicious Northern Irish food, beginning with Rathlin Island breaded scampi served with stout treacle wheaten bread and butter. Artisan marshmallows and fudge went down a treat for dessert, and guests also enjoyed a selection of Northern Irish beers and ciders, as well as gin and tonics, including a new gin from Chef Paula McIntyre.

The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels would like to give warm thanks to Terry Bradley, Ashley Foresythe-Bradley, Jack Warnock, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, FoodNI and to all of our guests for making Culture Night 2023 such an unforgettable evening. We look forward to showcasing new and emerging talents from Northern Ireland again next year!