Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is to play a lead role in a major celebration of arts and culture across Ireland tomorrow evening (September 23) and the University of Ulster is taking centre stage to host a number of top events.

From electronic vibes to visual arts and a fun-packed array of entertainment for young people, this mega extravaganza offers something for everyone, catering for all ages and tastes.

Festivities kick off at 4pm for the third annual Culture Night Belfast, which is hosting more than 150 events concentrated at venues across the Cathedral Quarter.

This year’s programme is bigger and better than ever, promoting all sorts of creative activities including theatre, cinema, art, music, circus, literature and everything in between.

There is free admission to all events, thanks mainly to the generosity of artists, musicians, performers, venues and organisers.

Tim Kerr, University of Ulster Arts and Culture Development Manager, said the campus’ huge ground floor area would be crammed with a vibrant mix of events.

“Our campus in York Street is smack bang in the middle of the Cathedral Quarter and Culture Night is a magnificent opportunity for us to host a creative feast, as the area comes ablaze with a fabulous cocktail of activity,” he said.

“The range of organisations on the campus mirrors the diverse nature of innovative work, which is the staple menu of Ulster’s creative hub in York Street.

“I’m sure our corridors will be alive with people, sounds and colour come Friday – it’s great to be playing our part in the day’s festivities.”

Belfast joins 29 other regions throughout Ireland – including Derry and Strabane – which will experience their own unique indulgence of diverse cultural riches during Culture Night festivities.

The Irish event has grown from strength to strength since it was first created by Dublin’s Temple Bar Culture Trust in 2006 and the city will host its biggest celebration ever this year, as it plays host to 156 cultural venues.

The Culture Night concept across Ireland has been inspired by an international tradition of culture nights in Europe and Toronto.

Although they take place on different dates, the Temple Bar Trust is working with the London Irish Centre in London and the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Belgium which are also hosting their own Culture Nights tomorrow.

Events taking place at the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus include:

Tags not Labels ( The Ulster Museum) 4pm – 10pm
Cut Short (Donna Fitzsymons) 4pm – 10pm
Scrap Challenge - Create a Masterpiece (Play Resource & Artists) 4pm – 9pm
Create your future with Armstrong Learning (Armstrong Learning) 4pm – 10pm
Wobble - RePlay Theatre Company (RePlay Theatre Company) 6.30pm – 7pm
Around the World in 5 hours! (Cinemagic)  4pm – 9pm
Blick Studios (Blick Studios) 7pm – 8.45pm
Live Electronic Jam (WheelWorks) 5pm – 9pm
Beat 'N' Track (Beat 'N' Track) 4pm – 10pm
Madd Music (Madd Music) 4pm – 10pm
Stare Wars (Stephen Millar) 5pm – 10pm
SEN Photography Exhibition (Social Economy Network) 4pm – 10pm
SEN Showcase (Social Economy Network) 4pm – 10pm

For full programme details on all the individual events, check out the website www.culturenightbelfast.com