The Waterford Winter Firedance comprises six specially curated concerts and exhibitions across Waterford City and County, culminating with a Sky Firedance fireworks display at 9pm in all locations this evening (Dec 21st 2021).
The event is funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Media & Sport and produced by the Arts Service of Waterford City and County Council. The Winter Firedance combines the skills of professional curators, community groups, professional musicians, artists and senior event managers and technicians.
What's involved in the Winter Firedance
It covers everything from visual arts, experimental music, jazz, traditional, rock, poetry, and story-telling, on the darkest evening of the year – The Winter Solstice. At 9pm sharp the sky across Waterford City and County will explode in a coordinated display of fireworks.
Organisers say the Waterford Winter Firedance has two aims; to give as many people as possible the chance to entertain in a safe fashion, and as to employ the professionals who were hit especially badly over the past two years.
People are reminded to enjoy all events responsibly, and to avoid crowded situations, especially when watching the fireworks.
What's on and where?
Waterford City: Waterford singers from all genres will put on an evening of cabaret, Christmas songs, Celtic, grunge, and eclectic pop at the William Vincent Wallace Plaza on the Quay. The singers will be backed by the Solstice Super Band combining Music Generation tutors and specialist musicians. It will be curated by Mod Poets Anna Jordan for Waterford Council. Tops, tails and ball gowns are especially welcome.
Kilmurrin: The Art Hand together with Rebecca Cappuccini will put on SuperSonic Sand - a visual arts collaborative project incorporating electronic music and sand art.
Dungarvan: There will be traditional Irish music in Dungarvan Town Square, featuring trad bands and a few regular faces too.
Cappoquin: Festival in a Van comes to Cappoquin with live music and spoken word to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Sasha Terfos will join the musicians.
Ballyduff Upper: There will be an evening of Irish traditional music, dance, story and song as well as contemporary rock, folk and country music. The evening will feature talent from The Booley House Irish Traditional Show, Mike Humphries, The Boofs & the local Comhaltas group.
Ballymacarbry: Events take place at Ballymacarbry Community Centre grounds at 7pm, with DJs, guests, and music from Supersoul.
How to book the Winter Firedance events
All events are free but booking is essential. You can do so here.
