The Urban Farm at Saint Fintan’s Campus in Portlaoise celebrate Culture Night

LAOIS/OFFALY Rehabilitation and Recovery Community Mental Health Services hosted its first ever Culture Night celebration on Friday 19 September at The Urban Farm at Saint Fintan’s Campus in Portlaoise.

The family-friendly event welcomed people of all ages and brought the farm alive with music, art, dance, food, and community spirit.

Those in attendance enjoyed vibrant performances, stalls and information stands highlighting the principles of recovery and positive mental health, alongside opportunities to connect through conversation, art, and shared experiences.

The evening celebrated Irish, Nigerian, Ukrainian, and Brazilian culture which acknowledged the uniqueness of each while embracing the common bonds of fun, laughter, belonging, and joy.

Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rehabilitation and Recovery Bridget Noonan said: “Our first Culture Night event was a wonderful gathering of people and performers that demonstrated the power of communication through the arts and its value for both body and mind. It was inspiring to see so many come together to celebrate diversity, recovery, and wellbeing.” 

The organisers expressed their thanks to Laois County Council’s Monica Flynn and Marina Rafter, Laois Volunteer Centre and Leonie Sherlock from the Laois/Offaly Recovery Education Service.

Gratitude was also expressed to the performers, facilitators, the staff, service users and management of the Rehabilitation and Recovery Service.

The event was supported by Laois County Council, Laois Arts, Creative Ireland Laois and Laois Volunteer Centre.