A cavalcade of curious creatures on its way to Waterford

The people of Waterford and the south east are in for a curious time over the coming days when the Déise county welcomes Madam Cavalcade who has travelled the globe collecting together the most unique creatures imaginable.

The annual Spraoi festival is without doubt one of the highlights of the entertainment and social calendar for the city and county, as it is for many people in neighbouring counties across the region.

The theme of this year's festival, 'A Cavalcade of Curious Creatures' will leave visitors and locals spellbound with depictions of mythical beasts of every kind.

One of the country's premiere family orientated events according to the organisers of the festival the audience will "gaze in wonder" at the legendary collection.

Assisted by an assorted cast of show people, all is not plain sailing. Sometimes, the creatures can be a lot to handle—flying crocodiles tend to snap-a-lot, dragons become too hot to handle, flying pigs take off into the night’s sky!

Steering her renowned steam contraption, at the head of her splendid travelling show, Madam C will arrive into Waterford on the Sunday night of the Spraoi Festival hoping that her menagerie doesn’t wreak too much havoc on the city. Maybe, this time, the show will go to plan. The 2024 Spraoi Parade features will feature a cast of nearly 200 performers and a collection of beautifully crafted puppets and floats. It will leave Johnstown at 9.30pm and will reache its destination on the Quays at approximately 10.45pm.

There will be a special accessibility area for wheelchair users and patrons with special access needs. It will be located on the roundabout at the GPO. However, there will be limited capacity and access will be prioritised for designated users and their carers.