Waterford’s St Patricks Day 2022
WATERFORD is putting its best foot forward for this weekend’s St Patrick’s Festival.
‘The Best of Waterford’ is this year’s parade theme, so onlookers will get a glimpse at what makes the Déise special. The weekend will be an incredible celebration of Waterford’s history, heritage and culture.
Here’s a handy breakdown of how the weekend will unfold…
Friday, March 17
From 12.30pm, dancers from the McGrath School of Irish Dancing will be dancing on the Mall.
At 12.50pm there will be a solemn Flag Presentation on The Mall to mark Thomas Francis Meagher raising the Tricolour for the first time in 1848.
Photo by Colin Shanahan
The St Patrick’s Day parade in the city then kicks off from the Quay at 1pm and will run along the Mall until 3pm.
Grand Marshall Kelyn Cassidy will be leading the way, along with over a whopping 2,000 participants.
The best places to view the parade are at the Quay and the Mall, and with current weather predicted to be mild – hopefully there won’t be too many rogue umbrellas flying about.
At Mall Lane there will be a sign-posted space for wheelchair-users and special access users.
Organisers are kindly asking people not to congregate on Parnell St, as it is reserved for parade floats and participants.
The Artistic Director of street theatre company Spraoi, who will be performing at the parade, believes that this year’s contribution from Spraoi will be the best yet. Mike Leahy said: “We’ve had great rehearsals, we’ve a great cast of people. I think it will be wild and rambunctious and should be good fun!”
Festival Coordinator Johnny Codd noted the increase in float applications, saying: “Community groups have shown great interest in participating in this year’s parade. We are pleased with the registrations that are coming in every day from various groups within the city, county, and beyond.
He went on: “We work closely with Waterford company EveryEvent and our organising committee, and we’re going to present a top-class musical, cultural and entertainment programme that is going to appeal to all comers.”
The celebrations will keep on going after the parade, with Waterford Council and EveryEvent putting together a dazzling line-up of music, entertainment and culture for all to enjoy.
After the showstopping parade, there will be live music to enjoy at the Cultural Quarter Stage from 4pm until 10pm.
During the day, Barrow Princess Cruises and Osprey Cruises will be offering boat rides to experience the beauty of the Déise’s waterways.
Throughout the weekend the City Fairground will be open for revellers, big and small, running from 11am until 8pm.
Clancy’s Kitchen will be taking to the stage at 8pm in the Theatre Royal performing their special mix of folk and traditional music.
Photo by Colin Shanahan
Saturday, March 18
The Medieval Museum is open to all from 10am-5pm, so visitors have the chance to view treasures like the Cloth of Gold vestments and medieval relics.
Over on Arundel Square the Wobbly Circus will be giving workshops on circus tricks from 1.30pm-3pm, on a ‘come and have a go’ basis.
Active Cities will also be there at the Square from 12pm-5pm offering a play area, obstacle course, miniature bicycle racetrack, breakdancing and skateboarding for all to enjoy.
Visitors to the Apple Market can enjoy the pounding rhythms of the WAMA drumming group from 1pm-2pm, followed by a performance by the Booley House group.
From 1pm-4pm, the SpokenWord Arena at Barronstrand Street will feature traditional Irish storytelling, music and a history talk from Luke Wadding.
Music Generation Harp Orchestra will be giving a must-see performance at the Cultural Quarter Stage from 3pm-4pm. Talented young harpists from Laois, Louth and Mayo will be there to wow the crowds at the gig.
Also taking the stage throughout the day are bands After the Break, The Pipistrellas and 2Time Charlie.
Rockabilly band Alan Power and the Aftershocks will be performing at 8pm, showing off their widely acclaimed, Elvis-indebted melodies.
Over at Garter Lane, Booley House will be giving a free performance at 8pm, which can be booked online.
Photo by Colin Shanahan
Sunday, March 19
The Campervan of Sound will be on the Cultural Quarter Stage from 12pm-5pm on the Sunday, bringing a mellow vibe to soothe any sore heads in the audience.
Waterford music artist Cal Pacino will take to the Apple Market from 1pm-2pm, bringing his unique blend of hip-hop and soul.
He is followed by band Sand at 2pm, then The Mulligan’s who come on at 3pm.
To find out more about the many festival events, go to www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com
