Billed as Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, and now European city of Christmas, Waterford’s Winterval drives on in its 12th year, hosting its annual tractor parade on Sunday, December 8.
The quays of Waterford will sparkle at 6:00p.m as the farming community join forces to illuminate the city with its festooned tractors and farm machinery.
“The tractors will gather at waterside carpark and you can peer at a Deere, or aspire to be as classy as a Massey,” quipped the Winterval festival directors, John Grubb and Trevor Darmody.
“This is a free event but we ask that those who take part in the parade, or who come to watch, to make a donation of any value to homeless charity,
“Tinteán Housing which provides emergency accommodation to women and children. The tractors will keep twinkling in the waterside car park until 7:00p.m. Advance registration is essential,” they added.
The festival directors said they are delighted to welcome Waterford’s farming community into the Winterval festival again this year.
“It is fantastic to see our community partners come on board again this year to support our charity event.
“There will be tractors like you’ve never seen before, covered in twinkling lights and even some Santa drivers. Children love this occasion every year,” they added.
Winterval visitors can also revel in a range of other attractions between now and December 23, including a blue light showcase, a tractor parade, a jingle bells cycle and a stunt show.
Getting the adrenaline-filled events off to a start is the blue light showcase set to take place this Sunday, November 30 from 4:00p.m to 7:00p.m.
Waterford city centre will come to life with the sirens and lights of Waterford’s emergency services.
The rescue vehicles and the heroes who operate them will have a treat for the Winterval visitors by giving families a chance to get up close with and hop aboard the rescue trucks, bikes, cars, boats and engines in the Waterford side car park.
Join the jingle bells cycle on Friday, December 6 at 7:00p.m on Gladstone Street as revellers enjoy rolling and jingle into the festive season with a gentle city centre novelty cycle.
It’s time to get out the tinsel, fairy lights and the Christmas jumpers as you dress you and your bike for festive fun.
The 2km family friendly cycle route is suitable for ages 10+. The group will arrive at Arundel Square just in time for the last light show of the evening and will receive a hot chocolate to warm them up.
Entry is free of charge and there will be prizes for the best dressed bike, and most festive cyclist. Those interested in taking part should register in advance.
Keeping the adrenaline pumping right up to December 22 will be the crew from Daredevil Entertainment as they present ‘The Winterval Adrenalin Stunt Show’ every weekend from December 7 to December 22, with shows on every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00p.m.
The adrenaline stunt show at Park Road, beside The People’s Park, will feature jaw-dropping stunts from planet big foot with three monster trucks, including Uncle Sam, Sheriff, and Titan. Tickets cost €25.00.