Cutting the ice at Winterval festival

Winterval kickedoff the festive season last night when Santa delivered a giant ice block to artists at Waterford Crystal, who will transform it into a set of seasonal sculptures.

The opening of the third Winterval festival in Waterford coincided with the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights, performed by Santa Claus and Mayor Lola O’Sullivan after the big man’s arrival at The Mall on a huge iceberg was greeted by thousands.

Winterval, which runs until December 23, features a market of 60 cabins and a trail of 32 festive events.