If you’re heading to Waterford on your upcoming holidays, why not have your trip coincide with one of its major festivals? We take a close look at some of Waterford’s major festivals so read on to find out what festivals are worth checking out!
Spraoi Festival
The annual Spraoi Festival is one of Waterford’s biggest festivals. It is held in Waterford city each summer and organised by ‘Spraoi’ a professional arts organisation based in the city. This festival has evolved down through the years from a one-day festival back in 1993 to a full blown street party which takes place over three days and attracts 80,000 people to the city. This colourful, exciting and high-energy festival is usually held over the August Bank Holiday weekend and features street art, childrens events, outdoor music and concerts and parades. 2009 saw the introduction of ‘Spraoi in the Park’ which featured lots of music and fun family events in and around People’s Park in the city centre.
Keep an eye on the official Spraoi website for details on 2010
Imagine Arts Festival
This is one of the top arts festivals in the south of Ireland. It runs for 10 days in October (22nd-31st in 2009) and features up to 80 events! This festival is an eclectic mix of music, comedy, drama, film, dance, theatre and visual art. It is action packed, with each day brimming with events. If you’re a culture vulture or simple want to experience the buzz of an Irish arts festival, then this is one not to be missed!
Check out the Imagine Arts Festival website for more
Waterford Film Festival
The Waterford Film Festival runs from 6th-8th of November and will be held at the Greyfriars Art Gallery in Waterford city. Highlights of this year’s festival includes; the opening of the festival on the 6th with a film by Dublin filmmaker Joseph Delond. There will also be a world premiere of the British feature film ‘Billy & Lilly Go To New York’. The festival features documentaries, short films, animation and feature films from all over the world. In previous festivals, filmmakers from all corners of the world attended, making it a great stage for up and coming Irish film and documentary makers. The festival will give awards for the following categories: Best Feature Film, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Short Screenplay.
Visit the Waterford Film Festival website for more
Waterford Fringe Festival
The Waterford Fringe Festival is another exciting arts festival which features drama, music, exhibitions, comedy, street performances, markets, art and lots of fun family events. This year it ran from the 17th-29th of September and boasted Art exhibitions, a comedy fringe, a music trail and lots of gigs!
Check out the Waterford Fringe Festival website for more.
Féile na nDéise
If you want to sample the best of Irish music and culture, then get yourself to Dungarvan on the May Bank Holiday weekend for the Féile na nDéise Annual Festival. This traditional Irish festival features the best of Irish music and dance from Waterford and beyond. You’ll also witness lots of céilí’s, street entertainment, exhibitions and family fun. 2009 saw top names like The Whiskey Jacks, Brendan Shine and the Blackwater Band take to the stage. You’re sure to enjoy the ‘craic’ and atmosphere at this festival so keep an eye on the Féile na nDéise website for 2010.
If you’d like to add more Waterford festivals and events to this list, feel free to pop your comment into the box below.
Going to Waterford for a festival? Check out our Waterford Hotels for accommodation.
