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You are > Home > Raising 40,000 hearts in recessionary times
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Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Raising 40,000 hearts in recessionary times
By Mary Ellen Breen
AN ESTIMATED 40,000 people didn’t let the rain get in their way and took to the streets of Waterford to watch over 200 free acts on show as part of the Spraoi festival 2009.
Director of Spraoi TV Honan said that he was extremely happy with all the efforts that went into the festival which cost €350,000 to stage.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Waterford people of all ages who worked so hard over the weekend to make an event that we can be proud of as a community.”
On Friday afternoon the torrential rain played havoc with two acclaimed acts, Transe Express and Circo Delicia but Spraoi organisers ensured that the public didn’t miss out.
“Disaster turned to delighted on Saturday afternoon when French company Transe Express agreed to stage an impromptu daylight version of their show that attracted thousands.
“Once we got Friday out of the way the remainder of the programme ran to schedule,” said the Spraoi director.
He added that the festival was escapism for most from the doom and gloom of the recession. “It raised hearts in recessionary times. It was a huge success this year and we are very happy.”
This year’s decision to split the Spraoi festival into two was a good move, stated TV Honan. “We are really happy we took that decision and gave people two weekends to look forward too,” he said.
Over the weekend the medieval streets and squares of Waterford were transformed into outdoor performance areas for the event, now the biggest crowd-puller in the south-east region, before the festival ended in a bang with a dazzling fireworks display.
Throughout the weekend John Roberts Square was transformed into a lively hub of activity thanks to the AOL stage, which became home to numerous musical acts and the number of stalls selling arts and crafts and delicious snacks.
William Vincent Wallace Plaza was also rocking for the three days of Spraoi with acts including the 17 Hippies and the Deaf animal Orchestra. Throughout the weekend a number of acts from Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Netherlands and Australia entertained the masses.
Different corners and streets of the city held host to a number of other musical events, puppet shows and clown acts.
Picking his own highlight, TV said he was won over by the Spraoi drummers who spent six weeks rehearsing and many of them performing for the first time.
“I really think the drummers capture and celebrate the ethics, ethos and animation of Spraoi.”
Brass & Co who were making their debut at Spraoi tied up the musical end of the festival, delighting the crowds before the tradition fireworks brought an end to a highly successful event on Waterford’s entertainment calendar.
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