Thousands flock to outdoor festival in Waterford

Almost 200,000 people are expected to flock to Waterford’s carnival-style Spraoi Festival which begins today.

The annual event showcases live music and street theatre on outdoor stages erected around the city.

The 2007 festival offers an eclectic line-up featuring the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Icarus’ Australian Adonises, the Hot Potato Jazz Syncopators and the Daredevil Chickens.

The event will also see the Irish premiere of Storm Bringer, a street theatre spectacle inspired by Shakespeare’s, The Tempest.

The annual Spraoi Parade, which will feature 200 performers, will form the climax of the festival on Sunday.

A fireworks display will later light up the night sky over the River Suir.