Carnival time arrives for Capital of Culture

UP to 80,000 people are expected to go on the streets of Cork today as the city officially celebrates its designation as European Capital of Culture.

President Mary McAleese will declare the event officially open during a civic reception in City Hall at 2pm. At the same time, 300 performers will hit the streets for a massive free, European-style street carnival.

Up to 26,000 people are expected to line ticketed zones along the city quays from 5pm to watch the Awakenings ceremony.