Some 300,000 people across 34 cities, towns and villages are expected to take part in this years Culture Night as thousands of events take places and many local institutions, cultural centres, halls and public buildings set to remain open late into the night.

The event began in Ireland in 2006 with 40,000 people taking part.

Dermot McLaughlin, chief executive of Temple Bar Trust, believes the event will have a significant financial impact.

“We estimate that there’ll be around €1.7 million of economic activity that otherwise would not happen,” he said.

“Our research tells us that nine out of 10 locals expect to spend between €40 and €60 on Culture Night.

“The longer-term gains include growing the customer base for venues, theatres, historic houses [and] galleries,” he added.

A conference featuring international speakers, which will look at how venues and creative businesses can retain some of the new visitors they hope to attract during Culture Night, takes place today at Ibat College on Wellington Quay in Dublin.

“Let’s look behind the fun and the adventure – Culture Night is a serious marketing and business opportunity,” Mr McLaughlin added.

(H)