Sailors and pirates take to streets in festival fun

WATERFORD was overrun by pirates of all ages yesterday morning but trainee sailors regained control of the city’s streets in the afternoon as a crew parade resulted in large splashes of colour in the Tall Ships Races 2011 festival.

About 1,000 trainees marched along the quay with banners aloft, accompanied by some of the city’s brass and pipe bands.

Earlier, more than 2,000 costumed pirates were counted at the Bolton Street car park in a bid to beat the world record for the number of pirates at one location.

The attempt itself was unsuccessful but the participating 3,500 pirates — below the world record number of 6,600 — were an impressive sight marching along the quay and up to John Roberts Square.

Garda figures suggested that the opening two days of the festival attracted close to 200,000 visitors.

However, the footfall total for the four-day event could exceed 500,000.

The festival ends with a parade of sail from the river and Waterford Estuary to sea early tomorrow.

In addition to the 45 majestic vessels along the quayside, free music events have warmed the hearts of thousands of revellers in Ireland’s oldest city.

Last night, it was the turn of The Waterboys to entertain the masses after local band O Emperor had warmed up the audience.

In addition, Crossing, a spectacular new show from Animated State Dance Theatre Company, brought a collaboration between dancer, poet, painter, musician, singer and filmmaker to the Theatre Royal.

Tonight, Sharon Shannon plus guests will headline the Bolton Street stage.

Meanwhile, the creation of an Irish craft village and the seemingly endless variety of food and vast range of entertainment continue on in the city.

An unusual attraction was the completion by a group of locals tradesmen of a Viking longboat, built from scratch.

Built using Carlow Oak and costing €70,000, the project is being funded by FÁS and the Waterford Museum of Treasures while Waterford Chamber is part of the steering group.

The boat will take to the water in September and is on display in a building opposite the car parks on the quay.

Meanwhile, the quay and some surrounding streets, along with Rice Bridge, remain closed during the event.

The Rice Bridge is accessible, inwards, until 7am while those wishing to use the train services at Plunkett Station will be allowed use the bridge up to 7.40am.

Picture: Laura Bickerstaffe, Glanmire, Co Cork, at the Tall Ships Race in Waterford. Picture: Denis Minihane