An annual riot of colour, energy and excitement, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland, with an atmosphere that is unique among Irish festivals. The festival takes over the city centre of Waterford for three days, transforming the streets and quays of the city into a giant stage for acts from all over the world. Spraoi is committed to the advancement of street arts, and the festival produces, premieres and showcases some of the best in the world. The festival is also a platform for top quality world music. And it's all free!
Spraoi Festival 2010 will kick off at 3pm on Friday, July 30th and feature street theate companies and bands from 11 countries with eight Irish premieres of new street theatre work. Highlights include Bangditos, from Germany, with their wet and wild show “Uberflus”, French company CIE Joe Sature with their clever, mouth-watering show “Hors Service”, Company Magmanus from Sweden and Indian troupe Kawa Circus, with their beautiful story of an itinerant group of artists from a circus in Rajasthan, blending acrobatics, rhythm and music.
On the music front there’ll be the turbo-folk melange of Gypsy, Balkan and Klesmer that is The Destroyers. Bringing a touch of deep down soul to the event is Rueben Richards and his band Soul Train, and old favourite's Los Albertos return with their blend of ska, funk and rock.
There's also the Guinness Rhythm Route in the city centre pubs, the Spraoi Festival Club, sprÒg at Garter Lane Arts Centre, the Irish Beats Stage on the Plaza and much much more to look forward to at Spraoi 2010.
A full programme of events will be available online to download in early July.
"The biggest street party in Ireland"
The Examiner
"This was Spraoi at its world class best, stunning, exciting and spectacular"
The Munster Express
"Art of fun reclaims the streets"
The Irish Times
