Winterval marks the launch of Ireland's biggest Christmas festival in Waterford
The man himself arrived on horse-drawn sleigh, flanked by some Star Wars cast members and Viking elves who were then joined by Mayor of Waterford John Cummins to declare the annual Winterval festival open. The festival opening was watched by thousands of spectators on the city’s mall.
More than 500,000 visitors are expected to attend the fourth annual Winterval festival which runs until December 23.
It’s expected to be worth €12m to the south-east.
Winterval chairman Barry Monaghan said it’s a festival which has broken all records and has grown exponentially each year.
Wow welcome back again wonderful #Winterval. Great atmosphere in the city @Winterval_WAT #lovewaterford pic.twitter.com/KtrAOA1kpv
— Tower Hotel Waterford (@TowerHotel) November 20, 2015
“This year our festival ticket sales are up 20% compared to this time last year, so it is sure to be a record-beating year for Waterford.
Winterval creates 550 seasonal jobs directly plus multiple indirect jobs and a huge economic boost to the city of €12m.
So this festival is very important for what is typically an ‘off-season’ tourism time of the year. Winterval is part continental christmas market, part Lapland and part Disney; it is unique and is a totally magical experience for all children and families,” Mr Monaghan said.
It's Back!! The wonderful #Winterval #Waterford #lightsshow staring @Keithpbarry and #Santa pic.twitter.com/vOdtogKUy8
— Judy Kelly (@JudyoBrienKelly) November 20, 2015
The festival features a market of 60 cabins in addition to an indoor craft market of 40 crafters plus a trail of over 30 different festive events taking place across the city.
The Winterval festival hosts a full offering of over 30 Winterval trail events; 19 of which are free of charge.
. @Keithpbarry thanks Keith - you're 'here' alright 😉 #lightshow #LOVEIT #winterval #waterford pic.twitter.com/l037xkGGJp
— Winterval Waterford (@Winterval_WAT) November 20, 2015
Visitors will enjoy the premiere of the wonderful 3D Lightshow It’s a Kind of Magic commissioned especially for Winterval featuring the magical Winterval’s festival ambassador Keith Barry who along with Santa will have audiences spellbound.
The 3D show will be projected onto the front of the Old Deanery building running every half hour from 5pm during the festival open days until it concludes on December 23.
Our storm trooper was loving the selfies today!! #Winterval #Waterford pic.twitter.com/AXZ9neP5aY
— Winterval Waterford (@Winterval_WAT) November 20, 2015
Exciting times at #Winterval2015 in #WaterfordIrelandsOldestCity #LoveWaterford #Winterval pic.twitter.com/M8FbUM5j32
— Reginald's Tower (@ReginaldsTower) November 20, 2015
Gingerbread families from the Grow project Winter Wonderland on the Plaza - checking out the #Winterval build! HI! pic.twitter.com/fPdFKRROTn
— Winterval Waterford (@Winterval_WAT) November 17, 2015
#winterval pic.twitter.com/L8Pl2CZYhz
— Waterford In Your Pocket (@WaterfordPocket) November 20, 2015
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