A coffin was carried through Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter followed by The New Orleans Funeral Band in protest at the absence of Culture Night.
Culture Night was last held in Belfast three years ago and as towns and cities across the island celebrated Culture Night events, Belfast was a notable exception.
Held on the third weekend in September, it was once a big night in the city with thousands flocking to the event but has not returned to the calendar following the Covid-19 pandemic.
One pub owner, Willie Jack, decided to host his own event.
Punters visiting The Duke of York, The Dark Horse and The Harp Bar, were treated to a night of free entertainment as the Cathedral Quarter bars hosted an Alternative Culture Night.
A diverse array of talent surprised and delighted crowds including the including the New Orleans Funeral Band who carried a coffin with ‘Culture Night 2024’ emblazoned across it.
The Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band, the Causeway Shantymen, the Cushendun Rapparees and the Rare Oul Stuff toured between the venues.
While award-winning mural artist, Ciaran Gallagher, author Lucy McMullan, Ursula Burns, ‘The Dangerous Harpist’ from Cloud Truck Theatre and comedian Bronagh Diamond also popped up for surprise appearances
Commenting on the events, Willie Jack said: “The Cathedral Quarter is the cultural heart of the city, and whilst we support the much-needed review of Culture Night as a concept, we wanted to help plug the gap it’s left behind.
“So, we curated a line-up of free pop-up entertainment and happenings to take place on what would be Culture Night.
“We hope this series of performances lifted people’s spirits and brighten people’s day as the darker nights begin to set in.”
Mr Jack also told BBC News NI: “I just want people to enjoy themselves and get home safely.”
He pointed to other places across the island who will be having events, “big cities like Dublin, it’s all over the papers. It’s in the news. People look forward to it,” he said.
Mr Jack said the event is a “considerable amount of money, it’s probably about £12,000. We want to feed every everybody that plays, we’re go help them, give them refreshments.”
He added that it’s a “missed opportunity” to not have a Belfast culture night.
The Cathedral Quarter Trust said last year funding cuts meant it would no longer be involved
Mr Jack said the Cathedral Quarter is experiencing “a bit of a turbulent time”.
“There seems to be a lot more people with addictions and that doesn’t promote the best image for Belfast, that frightens people.
“I personally think we’re the safest place in Europe in our little province here and that’s why it disappoints me, this should be led by council.”
Mr Jack said he just wants people to “enjoy themselves and go home and get home safely.”
He added that he hopes hosting his own culture night in the Cathedral Quarter will benefit other businesses in the area.
Culture night had, since 2009, been run by the Cathedral Quarter Trust to promote locals arts, businesses and heritage in the city centre.
Last year, the trust said it would not be involved in any future culture night events following the withdrawal of departmental funding.
Belfast City Council is to explore the possibility of bringing culture night back to the city in 2025.
In May this year, councillors were told it, or an alternative event, would also not take place this year but a return in 2025 is a possibility.