For the next three days in Waterford city, the streets will become the stage for a mixture of madness, mayhem and mythology.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival this August bank holiday weekend.
Recognised as one of Ireland’s premier arts festivals, Spraoi will see performers from Ireland and across the globe filling Waterford’s medieval streets for three days of free entertainment.
This year’s Spraoi programme features a mixture of circus, acrobatics, dance, theatre, live music, visual arts and street performances.
There will also be new international productions, family-friendly entertainment and immersive street theatre.
The festival will culminate with the iconic Spraoi Parade on Sunday night
The organisers of the festival also said this year will see the launch of Spraoi’s Heineken Weekender on O’Connell Street – a new event “offering free music and cultural experiences”.
The festival will culminate with the iconic Spraoi Parade and fireworks display on Sunday night.
This year’s theme of ‘Howl’ will see the parade explore the myths and legends surrounding the Irish wolf.
First imagined by a small group of locals back in 1993, the festival continues to grow in size and attract new audiences each year.
This year’s edition of the festival will showcase the best of homegrown performance talent, but also welcome artists from 15 other countries.
The festival is run on a not-for-profit basis by over 300 members of the local community who come from all walks of life.
Deirdre Dwyer said she is looking forward to bringing her vision for the Spraoi festival to life
One such member of the local community is Deirdre Dwyer, who began volunteering with Spraoi at the age of 15 and has now become the festival’s programme manager.
Ms Dwyer said she is looking forward to bringing her vision for the Spraoi festival to life this weekend.
She said: “I have been part of the Spraoi family since entering the workshop as a 15-year-old volunteer.
“Performing in parades, learning to sew, paint and design and experiencing, on the ground, the incredible organisation that goes into making a world class festival happen every year in Waterford.
“It really feels like a full circle moment.
“Standing on the shoulders of those who have crafted this extraordinary festival over the past 33 years, I am in the enviable position to share some of the best street theatre, circus and performance with the people of Waterford and beyond this August bank holiday weekend, all for free on the streets of our city.”
For many, Spraoi weekend is also an institution and one of the standout events of the summer.
Another volunteer, Chris Dowling, travels back to Waterford from the United States each year to take part in the festival.
Chris Dowling said she ‘grew up going to the festival as a kid’
Ms Dowling, who is the festival’s head act liaison this year, said that for her, coming home for Spraoi is a “non-negotiable”.
She said: “I grew up going to the festival as a kid.
“To be able to become a volunteer, learn skills and use them to help run the festival is amazing.
“Coming back to give something to Waterford and to an organisation like Spraoi means everything.
“Working side by side with the incredible volunteers who have become like family is the real highlight, and there’s no better feeling than pulling off an event of this scale for our city together.”
Nicholas Kavanagh, the director of Sunday’s Spraoi parade, said the annual event has become a “cornerstone of local culture” that fosters “a sense of unity among all who participate and attend”.
Nicholas Kavanagh said the ‘Spraoi parade is truly a magical occasion’
He said: “It is a privilege to be involved with the creative team responsible for conjuring up imaginative creatures and characters that grace our streets.
“These fantastical figures are animated by a vibrant community cast – a diverse group comprising young students, nurses, undertakers, dancers, accountants and bikers.
“The cast spans a remarkable age range, with the youngest participant just eight years old and the eldest an impressive 87.”
As the director of the ensemble, Mr Kavanagh said he will lead “nearly 200 volunteers – performers, dancers, singers, and puppeteers”.
“The Spraoi parade is truly a magical occasion,” he said.
“It offers the region’s residents an opportunity to unite in celebration of life, creativity and community spirit,” he added.
Mr Kavanagh also previously founded the Waterford-based Curious State Theatre Company and has said that they are delighted to be performing at Spraoi again this year as part of the company’s 10-year anniversary celebrations.
He said: “Curious State is delighted to be back in the streets of Waterford, where it all began, with their acclaimed show, Morbid & Sons.
“This production has consistently captivated audiences nationwide throughout the past ten years, becoming a firm favourite wherever it is staged.
“However, there truly is no place like home, and the company is thrilled to share this special performance with the local community once again.”
Between Spraoi and the sold-out All Together Now festival at Curraghmore Estate, it is hoped that this bumper weekend for the arts, music and performance in Co Waterford will also bring with it a significant boost to the local economy.
The full programme of events and more information on each of the acts performing on the streets of Waterford city this weekend can be found on the official Spraoi wesbite.