Community activities heat up for Non-Fire Night 2025
Communities across the city will be celebrating St John’s Night in style once again this year, with Cork City Council supporting 6 local summer fun days marking the occasion of ‘Non-Fire Night’. Various activities are planned in Knocknaheeny, Farranree, The Glen, Mayfield, Mahon and Togher on Monday 23rd June (see times and locations below), including play workshops, arts and crafts, sports and games, music and dance.
St. John’s Night falls near the summer solstice, a time when pagan cultures would light bonfires to honour the sun and celebrate its power. The burning of bonfires was also seen as a way to purify the land and ward off evil spirits. We now know that burning bonfires is extremely harmful to our environment, polluting the air and scorching our green spaces so badly it can take years for the grass to regrow. Fires also pose a risk to people’s safety. These are the reasons why we now celebrate St. John’s Night in Cork City with Non-Fire night celebrations where people of all ages come together with music, fun and creativity in their local communities.
The family-friendly events, which are organised in close partnership between Cork City Council’s Community team and local committees, are the perfect occasion for neighbours and newcomers alike to celebrate this unique highlight of the city’s heritage calendar.
The Lord Mayor Cllr will visit each site, as is customary, and there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
The community is encouraged to participate in their local celebration, taking place as per the below:
- Knocknaheeny Nu Farm Green Space, 4pm-7pm
- Loughmahon Park, Mahon 6pm-8pm
- Clashduv Park, Togher 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Iona Park, Mayfield 4.30pm-7pm
- Comeragh Green space, The Glen 4-6pm
- Popham’s Park, Farranree 4-7pm
