Enjoy some Christmas cultural treats

The cultural advent calendar has included The Dead by James Joyce read by Abigail McGibbon, and Christmas Wayfarers by Cathal O’Byrne read by Charlotte Mccurry.

On December 17 Chris Grant will read The Goose by Michael Longley, on December 18 singer ROE will perform Joni Mitchell’s River, and In Lieu of Carols by Frank Ormsby will be read by Abigail McGibbon on December 19.

Brand New Friend will perform Silent Night on December 20, with singer Matt McGinn telling everyone to ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ on December 21.

Iam McElhinney will read The End of the Play William Makepeace Thackeray on December 22 and NI Opera will perform O Holy Night on December 23.

On Christmas Eve, a film, Under a Christmas Sky, featuring all the artists will be presented by radio and television broadcaster Joe Lindsay. Watch on Youtube at Under a Christmas Sky.

Joe commented; “Snow Water hopes to bring a little joy, a little beauty, a little magic to the days leading up to this rather unique, strange and unexpected Christmas. Day by day then as a full piece on Christmas Eve. We are bringing together some of the finest pieces of music and poetry with some of the finest talent in the country. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and to all a good night. Until we return to good nights out.”

Director of Snow Water, Carolyn Mathers, commented: “This project would not be happening without the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and we are thrilled that we are able to work with 18 artists and six freelancers at the beautiful Ulster Folk Museum. After such a difficult year for the cultural industries, we are pleased to be able to celebrate NI’s artistic excellence.”