To mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, Sligo County Council will deliver an ambitious multi-disciplinary cultural programme from July to November 2026, celebrating Europe’s cultural diversity, shared heritage and democratic values.

Bringing together artists, cultural organisations and international partners from across Europe, the programme will position Sligo as a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue and exchange. A major highlight will be the internationally renowned World Press Photo Exhibition, which will be presented in Queen Maeve Square during August and September 2026, showcasing award-winning photojournalism that captures some of the most significant global events and social issues of recent years.

The wider programme will feature performances, exhibitions, film screenings, literary events and collaborative projects across Sligo’s festivals, venues and public spaces. Audiences can look forward to European-focused initiatives from Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, Sligo Jazz Festival, Tread Softly Festival, Adaptation Film Festival, Sligo Baroque Festival, Sligo Live Festival and the Yeats Society, alongside youth, visual arts and publishing projects developed with partners in Belgium, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Spain.

Spanning photography, music, literature, visual art, film and youth engagement, the programme will celebrate Sligo’s strong cultural connections across Europe, foster new creative partnerships and provide opportunities for audiences to engage with contemporary European culture and ideas.

Funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026