Spraoi brings thousands together in Waterford for the quality artistic work its built on
Conor in the, Spraoi Parade, Cavalcade of Curious Creatures. Photo: Joe Evans
Spraoi festival is one of a kind, as the level of cross-generational entertainment again this year was truly sensational for all in the audience.
While the performances began on Friday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, there was a rare and seamless transition experienced on Sunday night when the crowd, in droves, followed the mystical creatures of the thrilling Spraoi parade towards the quay front in anticipation of the stunning fire-work display.
It was that moment, when young families endured the wait of the late night event, that the Apple Market naturally transformed into the ideal location for adults staying on to enjoy the nightlife buzz.
"The sense of excitement going through the streets, and the streets are busy, while the whole crowd is moving in the one direction, heading for the quay or heading for the Mall, it's just a communal experience," said Spraoi's Festival Director, TV Honan.
In addition to the community taking part in the audience and the performances, there were visitors joining from all over the world.
"There were organisers and festival makers from Cairo to Carlow," said Spraoi Artistic Director, Mike Leahy.
"We're holding up on our audience and we're really happy. We have people coming back from the States for Spraoi for years now, and they book a year in advance," he added.
Mr Honan also made the point that the festival had "gotten to a place where it's on the European map, and it was really nice to have all those people together," which wouldn't be possible without those involved.
"We're so proud of the volunteering element of Spraoi, because that's what gives us our roots in our own community," Mr Honan said, while attributing an element of the festival's success to the professional artists who are "at the top of their field."
"They're the best at what they do and they choose to come to Waterford because Waterford has that reputation of having an audience that appreciates artistic work of that quality," he said.
