40,000 enjoy festive day out at parade

A REVITALISED parade drew 40,000 onlookers to the streets of Waterford city yesterday.

A shortened route stretching from Reginald's Tower, along the quays and finishing beyond the Granary was aimed at making the event more family friendly this year.

The festive atmosphere was certainly evident as actress Anna Manahan, who was recently made a freeman of Waterford city, led out the marchers as Grand Marshal for the day.

The Waterford native has recently returned to her home there after living in Dublin for a number of years.

Ahead of Waterford hosting up to 100 vessels for the start of this year's spectacular Tall Ships Race in July, a major attraction of the parade was the float dedicated to the event.

There was a marine theme running through many of the other floats and contributions from the dozens of groups who participated in the parade.

A series of sideshows and other entertainment events were also organised on the day, including two music stages featuring live acts all afternoon.

They ranged from performances by local rock bands to the Waterford Gospel Community Choir, to a monster traditional music session with Dooneen.

The city also hosted a number of street markets, with stalls displaying Irish produce at Jenkin's Lane, while another event at Little Patrick's Street had a more French flavour.