Lublin is the first city in Poland to become the European Youth Capital. The city was chosen by the international jury as the place to show Europe the values that matter to young people, to showcase their achievements, and to throw a spotlight on youth through all kinds of activities. The European Youth Capital is a title awarded by the European Youth Forum for a period of a year. It’s designed to empower young people, to boost their participation in decision-making, and to strengthen the identity of European cities. Additionally, the involvement of young people brings the energy of youth to Lublin in a way that supports the local community. It also promotes youth culture and activity at many levels. This means that this year’s festivals organised by Lublin’s Workshops of Culture will have a strong focus on youth.

Grzegorz Rzepecki, the director of Workshops of Culture, says: “Every year, around a hundred active young volunteers help with the organisation of the largest festivals in Lublin. Through the Night of Culture, we support emerging artists and culture managers by providing them with an opportunity to experiment with art installations in the city space. In light of the fact that Lublin has been named the European Youth Capital this year, we encourage young people to take a leading role in these cultural activities. As such, the festivals organised by Workshops of Culture are the perfect opportunity.”

Imagine that for one night a forgotten alley in Lublin transforms into the most romantic corner of Europe, rivalling Barcelona, Venice, or Paris? Why should concerts still be held on stages when we can hold them on the walls of historic houses or rooftops? Why go to the cinema when we can watch films under the stars?

The Night of Culture (NoC) is a festival of endless surprises. Extraordinary things happen. It’s even possible to see places that disappeared from Lublin’s maps years ago. Visitors are spoilt for choice as there are hundreds of things to see and do, but time is limited. After all, it’s only one night.

Art revives forgotten or unknown places. Gateways become light installations, squares and plazas turn into theatrical stages, and the alleys of the Old Town surprise even their most regular visitors. Museums, galleries, and theatres stay open late. The festival’s programme consists of projects submitted by Lublin residents and friends, in addition to the productions created by the Workshops of Culture. Young people are a very special focus this year.

This year’s Night of Culture will take place throughout the evening of 3rd, and into the early hours of 4th June 2023

Location: Old Town in Lublin
Free admission

Practical info https://nockultury.pl/en/practical-info/
Programme https://nockultury.pl/en/programme-2023-eng/

Tourist & Culture Information about Lublin https://lublin.eu/en/what-to-see-do/tourist-culture-information/publications-and-guides/guide-books-and-maps/