Museums, galleries, theatres, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural institutions threw open their doors for the all-island Culture Night.

Highlights along the streets of Belfast included an alternative riot staged by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, pro-wrestling and a huge urban street dance and percussion parade, with hundreds of performers taking off from the City Hall at 7pm.

In Londonderry, the city came alive to the sound of live music, theatre, dance as cultural venues for a magical evening of exploration and adventure for all the family.

The night, which also forms part of the City of Culture celebrations, featured spontaneous street opera and dazzling acrobatics which is sure to appeal to all ages.

It’s the fifth year of culture night and most of the events were free.

Culture Night Belfast programme manager Adam Turkington told UTV: “In Belfast there are 250 free events across a six hour period focussed mainly in the Cathedral Quarter area.

“The events can be anything from pro-wrestling to opera and classical music to roller derby. It’s a pretty mad night, it’s not going to be your normal Friday night out in Belfast.

He added: “It’s a family friendly event, there is loads happening all over and there is something for everyone.

“There is so much and it will be hard to get your way around, so I would recommend picking out two or three different events to go to and then just explore.”

He added: “This event will show the potential of the city and demonstrate what there is on our doorstep.

“Belfast is a brilliant city, full of talented people and this is a great opportunity to see that writ large.”