Working with the talent behind the Winter Firedance – Féile Grianstad is the beginning of a new journey for Dungarvan which will see it positioned as the place to be for a traditional and authentic Christmases in the future.
The festivities proper 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 a Chairde.
Watch out for Santa Clause and his naughty nemesis Krampus (he’s the one dressed in green!) and you will never know who else may turn up at the party.
Then at Nine O’Clock… A very special sound and light extravaganza with Fireworks exploding to the beat of the bodhrán on Dungarvan’s beautiful quays.
This year Dungarvan Town Square is to be partially closed off from lunchtime on the 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 Christmas.
For those coming to Dungarvan we are encouraging you to park outside the town and walk to the square. 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 Clause, and well before the Vikings 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, its Arts Service and in association with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport & Media.
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