ONIEB was delighted to host our twelfth annual Culture Night on Friday 26th September – an evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrant culture of Northern Ireland through food, art and performance. Held in collaboration with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the event brought together colleagues, friends and partners for a night of connection, creativity and community.
This year’s headline performance came from Janey Mac is Hot (Blame the Hormones) a bold and brilliantly funny improv comedy show exploring the topic of perimenopause. Through sharp humour, candid storytelling, and lively audience interaction, Jane shared her personal journey through a highly entertaining lens. The result was a dynamic, engaging performance that not only had the audience laughing but also sparked important conversations around women’s health and lived experience.
We were proud to host the Bradley Art Prize Exhibition for the third consecutive year, showcasing nine original and inspiring pieces by emerging Northern Irish artists. The event was attended by Ashley Forsythe -Bradley, one of the prize’s co-founders, along with several of the talented young finalists. It was a privilege to welcome them and to celebrate their incredible creativity. The evening also featured a heartfelt speech by overall winner Kate Whiteman, who shared how honoured she felt to have her work exhibited and recognised. The Bradley Art Prize continues to champion the next generation of Northern Ireland’s artists, encouraging them to nurture their creative talents and providing a platform that now extends to audiences in Europe. We’re delighted to be apart of this journey, and we look forward to seeing how these artist continue to grow. If you would like a chance to visit the exhibition, please contact info.brusselsoffice@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk.
Guests were treated to a delicious spread featuring the very best of Northern Irish food and drink. The menu highlighted locally sourced produce, beginning with juicy beef burgers from Hannan Meats in Moira, served in fresh baps from Bertie’s Bakery and topped with iconic Dromona cheese from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. A selection of artisan sauces and chutneys from Burren Balsamics in Armagh added the perfect finishing touch. To follow, guests enjoyed a range of Drayne’s Farm Ice cream, produced in Lisburn, Co. Antrim. Tables were also stocked with popcorn from The Little Popcorn Shop in Co. Antrim, offering a light treat throughout the evening.
Drinks showcased Northern Ireland vibrant craft beverage scene, including beer from Boundary Brewing in East Belfast, apple juice and cider from Long Meadow Cider in Co. Armagh, and refreshing kombucha from Moocha Koombucha in Co. Tyrone. The evening’s signature cocktail was the Shortcross Citrus Drizzle – a blend of Shortcross Gin, served over ice with a citrus garnish – a refreshing highlight of the night.
The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive would like to sincerely thank Terry Bradley, Ashley Forsythe- Bradley, Jane McKeever, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Food NI and all our guests for making Culture Night 2025 a great success. Your support helped create an enjoyable and memorable evening celebrating Northern Irish art, food and culture. We look forward to welcoming you again next year for another fantastic event.
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