Dungarvan prepares for Féile Grianstad and festive fun

Final preparations are in place ahead of this weekend's Féile Grianstad festival which will take place in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, on Sunday December 21.

Waterford City & County Council said the event will be 'a fun-filled, festive evening featuring Santa, music and fireworks'.

The festivities will kick-off on Sunday evening at 6pm with a series of ceolchoirmeacha agus craic featuring Dungarvan’s own Loungeroom Lizards, trad craic and much more.

Visitors and locals should keep an eye out for Santa Claus, however, his naughty nemesis Krampus might also make an appearance, and according to a notice from the local authrority: "You never know who else may turn up at the party."

At 9pm, there will be a very special sky light extravaganza with a firework spectacular above Dungarvan Harbour.

This year, Grattan Square will be partially closed off from lunchtime on Sunday, December 21, to facilitate the ‘Big Stage’. Motorists travelling to Dungarvan are requested to park outside the town and walk to the town centre. Immediately prior to the fireworks display, Davitt’s Quay will be closed to all traffic to facilitate the safe passage of pedestrians and viewers.

"The long-term plans for the festival will see a vibrant mix of community arts and entertainment that will animate and illuminate the shortest days and the longest nights with fun, traditional hearty food, song, storytelling, and winter warmth," said a spokeperson for the local authority.

Féile Grianstad is an initiative of Waterford City and County Council and volunteers from Dungarvan’s hospitality and business community, with assistance from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport & Media, for the stage and sound and lighting.