Spraoi showcases Waterford at its creative best

The reputation that ensures the August Bank Holiday weekend is more commonly referred to in Waterford as 'Spraoi weekend' was compounded this year with the organisers staging one of the most spectacular festival weekends in the events history.

The line-up and programme of events included over 130 free, city centre performance and music gigs with a diverse and eclectic range of artists. The international appeal of the festival was further enhanced this year with a myriad of artists from to perform from all over Ireland along with acts from places like Belgium, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Wales and America.

While music and street theatre performance provided the core of this year's festival there were also additional attractions that ensured all members of the family were entertained throughout.

Acts like the ‘Always Drinking Marching Band’, with their high-energy street brass and the contemporary circus performances of Now and Then instilled a great level of excitement in festival-goers.

However, the main focal point and highlight of the festival each year is the Spraoi Festival Parade followed by fireworks and this year it was truly exceptional.

There were an estimated 30,000 spectators in the city to view both events and the parade featured over 200 performers dressed in a dazzling array of colourful costumes. 

The theme of this year's parade was 'Quay of Dreams' based around maritime fantasy and inspired by adventurous women on the high seas. It was a fantastic weekend and the fact the weather stayed dry added to the overall enjoyment of the occasion. The organisers can feel justifiably proud of once again shining a very positive light on an amazing city.