Spraoi is now in it's 30th year running with the annual event due to get underway this bank holiday weekend.
Hundreds of acts will take to the streets of Irelands oldest city to mark the highlight of the summer season in Waterford.
Festival director and founder, T.V. Honan says he is delighted to see the festival in its 30th year.
"The parade is one of Waterford's true highlights in the year. Waterford people come together to create a community bond as well as entertainment.
"Waterford companies run by Waterford people are part of the whole mix that makes this a great city and county."
The festival will open with serving sounds, a familiar yet funky twist on a bar, that you interact with through sound.
The main act on Friday is the Beautiful Bones series which opens up the viewers perception of death and how it is perceived.
The weekend is filled with over 200 acts taking to the streets.
Be sure to check out spraoi.com for a full list of events.
SPRAOI PARADE 2023
Sunday, 21.30
The secret’s finally out. First contact has been made! Join with other galactic beings on the streets of Waterford to welcome our new alien overlords at the Spraoi parade 2023. The truth is not out there, it’s here!
Join Spraoi and a cast of hundreds as the annual parade winds its way through the streets and quays of the city. Starting at Johnstown and finishing on The Quay, expect the unexpected. Spectacular floats, giant creatures, music and mayhem, the Spraoi Parade is the biggest outdoor spectacle event in Waterford.
Fireworks from the River Suir will follow at approx 22.30 to bring Spraoi 2023 to a dramatic close.
- The parade will begin at Johnstown at 9.30pm, proceed down Parnell St and the Mall, then turn left onto the Quay, finishing at the Blue Crane
- There is no parking along the parade route. People are encouraged to use public transport, or walk to the parade route, if possible
- The viewing area for those with disabilities and/or special needs will be located at the roundabout at the G.P.O. (bottom of Kiezer Street)
- In case of lost children please locate the nearest steward and they will assist you
- There are fixed ambulance points along the route, please ask a steward if required, and they will guide you to one
- A number of road closures will be in effect between Friday 4th of August and Monday 7th of August
Parking and road closures:
Road Closures Waterford Spraoi Festival, issued by Waterford City and County Council Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council will close the following public road to through traffic during the times specified below on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 4th to 7th August, 2023 to facilitate the Waterford Spraoi Festival.Roads to be closedFriday 4th August to Monday 7th August - O’Connell St. from junction of Hanover St. to Gladstone St. 8am Friday to 1am MondayFriday 4th August to Monday 7th August - Gladstone St. 8am Friday to 1am MondayFriday 4th August to Monday 7th August - The Mall 7pm Friday to 1am MondaySaturday 5th August - Henrietta St. - 12 Noon – 6pmSunday 6th August - Henrietta St. - 12 Noon – 6pmSunday 6th August - Johnstown - 8.30pm – 10pmSunday 6th August - Parnell St - 8.30pm – 10.30pmSunday 6th August - Parade Quay - 9pm – 11.30pmSunday 6th August - Custom house Quay - 9pm – 11.30pm
It is advised to arrive early to the festival, especially for the parade and fireworks finale.
Parking is available in Bolton street and Millers Marsh car parks with public transport options available outside the city if you wish to park and ride.
WLR'S Kyle Butler will be extensively covering the festival over the three days with updates every half hour on air and on WLR News bulletins thanks to McDonalds John Roberts Square and Cork Road. Timmy and Andy will also be broadcasting live from John Roberts Square from 1-4 Saturday and Sunday thanks to the Stable Yard Food Hall.
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