Cork all set for baptism of fire

CORK city is set for take-off this weekend with a 3.5-tonne fireworks display to mark its tenure as European Capital of Culture.

A hefty supply of equipment, performers and events has been organised to mark the official opening of the prestigious year in the city this weekend.

The Awakening weekend will use around 11 miles of cabling, 18 articulated trucks full of equipment, 14 giant creatures, 10 35-foot air-filled characters, 300 performers and 10 carnival stages.