Spraoi parade will be as spectacular as ever
Pictured are Kayleigh Quinnlan and Ashley Byrne in rehearsals for Waterford’s Spraoi Festival Parade Photograph: Patrick Browne
Ireland’s premiere summer street spectacle event, the Spraoi Parade, will take place this year at 9.30pm on Sunday, August 4.
As, ever, the organisers of the annual family festival have worked very hard to ensure the parade and the other events taking place for Spraoi are as spectacular as ever.
The event regularly attracts thousands of visitors and this year they will be treated to an eclectic mix of spectacular floats, hundreds of costumed performers, live musicians, light, sound, and special effects as the parade weaves its way through Waterford’s medieval streets at night.
The parade is a magical imaginative feast of the senses that provides the climax to the annual festival.
Visitors and locals can also look forward to a spectacular fireworks display which is also a regular attraction and spectacle of the annual event.
The theme of this year's festival parade, a 'Cavalcade of Curious Creatures', promises intrigue and excitement and is a must for anyone with an interest in mythical creatures and beasts.
One of the amazing aspects to the festival each year is that it's free of charge and visitors will have access to not just the parade but an eclectic mix of street performers throughout the weekend.
They are also not just ordinary performers, the Spraoi festival always features world-class performers, many of whom have performed in parades, festivals and city events all over the world.
The Spraoi Festival weekend will take place between August 2 and 4, and it will incorporate every aspect of the creative arts.
From street theatre, the aforementioned festival parade, to music and art, the event always has something of interest for all members of the family, young and old and this year will be no exception.
The city itself provides an idyllic backdrop to the festival and its medieval focal points, in particular, hark back to the city's origins and in many ways viewing the spectacle of Spraoi against that backdrop is indicative of where the city is now and where it began.
Whether one is a music fan looking for fantastic street or venue performances or a lover of art and theatre there will be something to cater for your taste in this year's festival.
Details of the line-up and events taking place are outlined on the festival website at spraoi.com
For anyone interested in supporting the festival by donating towards the running costs there is also a link on the website.
