New theatre show set to be unveiled at Waterford's Winterval

A brand new shadow puppetry theatre show is set to be unveiled at Winterval this weekend. Fiachra and the Winter Elk by Ben Hennessy is an imaginative story from Mythical Ireland. Ben Hennessy and his crew will take visitors at the festival on a magical journey through a story of childhood imagination at the Winterval Main stage from this weekend.

The show begins on Friday, December 8th and will be on offer at 6 pm, 6.40 pm and 7.20 pm, each evening of Winterval between now and Christmas.

A variety of arts, shows and events are on offer at Winterval with another brand new opening ‘Help Save Santa’s Magic’ at Gartner Lane Theatre. This show sees brother and sister Sam and Ella going on a big adventure to help save Santa’s magic just in time for Christmas.

A Narnia Christmas with Broken Theatre lets visitors to Winterval step through the Winterval wardrobe at Jenkins Lane and be transported to a spectacular adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic 'The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe'. Beautifully accompanied by Christmas melodies, this ground-breaking one-hour show with thrilling fire, and aerial and acrobatic performances will warm your heart and have you enchanted from the beginning, captivated throughout and gripping your seats as you cheer for Aslan in the dramatic closing battle scene.

The Winterval Main Stage located at Gladstone Street is also filled with great live festive performances, choirs and more each evening of Winterval.  

A variety of one-off events are also on offer including the Winterval Jingle Bells cycle. On December 15th locals and visitors alike are invited to join the Winterval team on their bicycles as they take to the streets from 7.30 pm for the Jingle Bells Cycle beneath the twinkling lights of the City. Participants are encouraged to get out the tinsel, the fairy lights and the Christmas jumpers; this is a short 2km family-friendly cycle route suitable for ages 6+. 

On December 22nd BuskAid will fill the streets with music and song with the goal of raising much-needed funds for Tinteán Housing, a Waterford-based homeless charity. BuskAid is Ireland's city-wide busk for charity in aid of the homeless. Based in Waterford City, it aims to raise funds and awareness for local homelessness charity Tinteán Housing, through music and volunteering. Donation buckets will be all around Winterval on the day. Special guests will appear throughout the day, building into a giant 'Big Busk' at the end, followed by an uplifting performance by the High Hopes choir. 

The 11th annual Winterval Festival is now on until December 23rd.  The City is transformed into a land of magical festive entertainment with a festive Fairground and Winterval on Ice, a Gerbola Christmas Circus, A Narnia Christmas Show, the magical Winterval Illuminates light show, a Viking Yule Settlement where you can hark back to how Christmas was celebrated in the Viking City. 

You can enjoy the Port of Waterford Eye, the Winterval Mini Express train, Glow Gardens, a virtual ride in Santa’s sleigh, a miniature model Circus showcase and of course, Santa Claus will be ensconced with his elves at the Gingerbread House in the City centre and there is even a gigantic talking postbox at The Apple Market. Plus there is an abundant programme of music and theatre events and live performances on the main stage which is right in the heart of the Winterval Glenveagh Food & Craft Market which features over 100 food and craft producers.

There are over 40 events and over half of those are free - check out the full Winterval Festival programme of events at www.winterval.ie