Festive Star 2024 is in shops now!
Mary Frances Ryan, Editor, Waterford News & Star, showing the Festive Star, which captures a scene with the Winterval train on the cover, to train driver Jamie Drohan. Photo: Joe Evans
The is delighted to announce that 2024, the Waterford News & Star Christmas Annual, is in shops now across Waterford city and county!
The much-anticipated publication hit the shelves today (Friday), just in time for Winterval and Waterford's European City of Christmas festivities.
The city is aglow with a wonderful festive spirit – with Winterval pulling out all the stops for a particularly special festival this year.
On Gladstone Street in the city, the elves in the Waterford News & Star have been extra busy - we think you will agree this bumper edition of is a Christmas annual with truly something for all the Waterford family to enjoy!
The beautiful glossy cover, created especially by Waterford artist Lisa Keane, features a wonderful Christmas scene, in keeping with Waterford's status as European City of Christmas; the Winterval train takes centre stage - and thanks to train driver Jamie Drohan for stepping into character for our lovely launch photo included here.
Our team of dedicated contributors have once again given us a superb collection of stories, Mayor of Waterford Cllr Jason Murphy is back to challenge us all with his ‘So You Think You Know Waterford’ Quiz, Dan Linehan provides a brain-teasing Great Waterford Crossword, and a team of Waterford’s culinary experts have given us a delicious banquet of Christmas recipes.
Over at Winterval HQ, Teresanne O’Reilly has compiled a gorgeous array of Déise gift ideas.
We are thrilled to have so many fantastic interviewees, providing a glimpse into all walks of Waterford life, past and present.
Staff photographer Joe Evans has compiled another a fantastic selection of nostalgic photos in our Looking Back 25 Years series – this time our focus year is 1999, and maybe you feature!
We encourage you to pick up a copy and get the whole family involved, whether in the competitions, which offer lots of great prizes for all ages from our generous businesses, or in the quizzes, crosswords, and puzzles.
Don’t forget to send in your competition entries before the December 31, 2024, deadline!
Thanks to all those who sent in Christmas Greetings from Abroad, with a Christmas Paddy Box winging its way to one lucky Déise family across the water, Naomi Warren and Dave Madeley in Vancouver, Canada.
"In , we take a break from the ‘harder’ news of day-to-day life, and, so, in turn we invite our loyal readers to sit back and relax with this Christmas annual that speaks so proudly of Waterford," said , and editor, Mary Frances Ryan. "Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to 2024 – a small army have their imprint on the pages of our Christmas annual. There wouldn’t be a without you!"
The official launch of 2024 takes place at The Book Centre, Waterford city, this Thursday, November 21, at 6pm, with former senior cabinet Minister Martin Cullen guest speaker on the night.
