Originating in 21 countries, the tall ships are expected to bring 250,000 visitors to Waterford in the four days to July 9 when the race series will begin with the ships sailing for Cherbourg-Octeville in northern France from where they will sail to NewcastleGateshead and on to Fredrikstad, Norway.
The tall ships due in Waterford for what organisers hope will be four glorious July days include many of the largest in the world, among them the Russian ships Kruzenshtern at 113.5m and Mir at 109m. Other ships likely to attract particular interest are the three Irish entrants, Dunbrody, Jeanie Johnston and Asgard II as well as Dewaruci, an Indonesian tall ship "adopted" by Waterford City Council following last year's tsunami disaster in southeast Asia.
A comprehensive shore-based programme of entertainment is also planned in Waterford and this too will reflect the international nature of The Tall Ships' Races. Seven themed outdoor stages dotted through the city centre will feature free performances each day from Wednesday-Friday, July 6-8 by almost 40 bands including acts from Japan, Trinidad, the UK and the United States as well as the best of home-grown talent.
The festival climax will feature a spectacular fireworks display entitled 'Suirfire' at nightfall on Friday, July 8 which will light up the skies above the tall ships berthed on the River Suir ahead of their departure on the following morning. Another festival highlight will be the traditional Crews Parade which will see crew members from each of the participating tall ships parade in formation through the city streets from Ballybricken to the People's Park on the afternoon of Thursday, July 7.
Musical highlights will include performances by the Renegade Steel Orchestra; Cuisle; Jimmy Crowley; Brendan Bowyer; Los Albertos; Weapons of Sound; Waterford City Brass; Rough Deal String Band; Mugenkyo and the Bagdaddies while street theatre performances will also enliven the streets of Waterford. Additional musical treats with a nautical theme include performances by local sea shanty group Hooks & Crooks and Shifty Sailors, a group travelling to Waterford from Whidbey Island on the northwest coast of the United States.
Funderland will have a funfair located on the north-side of the Suir for the week-commencing July 3. This will feature Ireland's biggest roller coaster and a giant Ferris wheel that will provide some of the best views of the assembled fleet of tall ships.
Is anyone making their way down to Waterford sometime next week? Should be a bit of a spectacle.
04/07/2005, 2:56 PM
Iorfa
D'oh, wrong forum. Could someone move it to off-topic please?
