Today’s focus on Fringe theatres and smaller spaces across London travels to Hammersmith, where the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC) has just celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The home of Irish culture in London, the ICC is the UK’s leading centre dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Irish arts and culture abroad.
I spoke with William Foote, director of the ICC, to find out more about the venue and what it offers.
You have just celebrated your 30th anniversary of the Irish Cultural Centre – how did it start and what has changed since then?
The Centre began as a community-driven initiative to create a home for Irish culture in London. Over 30 years, it has evolved from a primarily community space into a leading cultural venue with an international outlook.
What hasn’t changed is the core mission: to promote, protect and provide Irish Culture, education, and community outreach to those who need it or seek it.
You offer a wide and diverse programme of cultural, community and educational events. How do you go about putting together a typical season?
It starts with listening: to artists, to audiences, and to the wider cultural moment.
From there, we shape a programme that reflects both heritage and innovation, ensuring a balance across art forms and audiences. It’s a collaborative and iterative process.
You have lots of different spaces at the Centre, including your Irish heritage library. What kind of vibe have you built across the building, and are there any challenges in managing the space?
We’ve worked hard to create a space that feels welcoming, intimate, and layered with meaning. The library, performance spaces, and communal areas all contribute to that atmosphere.
The challenge is ensuring each space retains its identity while functioning as part of a cohesive whole.
As well as the physical space you have a large collection of material you can view free as ICC Digital. How did this get started?
ICC Digital grew out of necessity during the pandemic.
For many, it was a lifeline and something to work for, but it quickly became clear that it was more than a stopgap; it was an opportunity to extend our reach globally.
It now complements our physical programme and allows us to connect with audiences far beyond London.
As a core space for Irish culture you include opportunities to learn the language. How important is it to you and the Irish community to keep these words alive?
It’s deeply important. The Irish language carries history, identity, and worldview. Supporting its use and learning is about more than preservation, it’s about ensuring it remains a living, evolving part of culture.
There has never been a more popular time to engage with the Irish language as it continues to break new ground.
What has been the Centre’s greatest achievement – and what are you looking forward to the most in the future?
Our greatest achievement is becoming a place where people feel a sense of belonging whether they’re Irish or simply curious about the culture.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about deepening our artistic ambition while continuing to expand our reach and impact.
To find out more about the ICC’s Spring 2026 season of music, theatre, literature and talks visit https://irishculturalcentre.co.uk.