On Thursday December 21st the skies of Dungarvan will light up for Féile Grianstad, as the town centre will be the backdrop for an amazing solstice celebration.
The free festivities kick off at 5pm with a series of ‘ceolchoirmeacha agus craic’, featuring Dungarvan’s own Loungeroom Lizards, Danny and Tommy Dunford, Andy Dunne, Brendan Clancy, Benny McCarthy, Joe Kelly and friends.
Santa Claus and his naughty nemesis Krampus will make a special appearance and you never know who else may turn up at the party.
Then at 9pm, a very special sound and light extravaganza is planned as a spectacular fireworks display bursts into the skies to the beat of the bodhrán on Dungarvan’s beautiful quays.
This year Dungarvan Town Square will be partially closed off from lunchtime on December 21st to facilitate the ‘Big Stage’. Earlier in the morning the Square will be the scene of a special weekly market with the emphasis on all things Christmas.
Those coming to Dungarvan are encouraged to park outside the town and walk to Grattan Square for the festivities. Immediately prior to the fireworks display the quays will be closed to all traffic to facilitate the safe passage of pedestrians and viewers.
The long-term plans for the festival will see a vibrant mix of community arts and entertainment that will animate and illuminate the shortest days and the longest nights with fun, traditional hearty food, song, storytelling, and winter warmth.
Older than Santa Claus, and well before the Vikings arrived, the origin of this festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of renewed life.
Féile Grianstad is an initiative of Waterford City and County Council Arts Office, in association with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.
Source: Waterford City & County Council
