Winterval

Jamie2k9

The "The Waterford Eye" looks great on the Quay.

fricatus

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

The "The Waterford Eye" looks great on the Quay.

It sure does. A nice little splash to get us all in the mood for Winterval!

road_high

Right never been down to this but thinking of it this year. Heard good things about it, is it worth the trip?

smaoifs

Looking forward to going on it with the girls and a bottle of Prosecco!

poppies2

road_high wrote: »

Right never been down to this but thinking of it this year. Heard good things about it, is it worth the trip?

I would think so! It has been jigged up a bit this year and seems to be lots to see and do, lots of free activities too

comeraghs

Plans for Winterval 2017 look great. can't wait to get in & see it. Starts this weekend!

http://winterval.ie/

road_high

poppies2 wrote: »

I would think so! It has been jigged up a bit this year and seems to be lots to see and do, lots of free activities too

Yes I think I'll pop down this year, web site looks impressive.

914

I'd say the applemarket is going to look fantastic at night. Passed through today and the lights/tree and post box look really impressive.

alta stare

914 wrote: »

I'd say the applemarket is going to look fantastic at night. Passed through today and the lights/tree and post box look really impressive.

Im looking forward to seeing it all lit up. I agree i think it will look fantastic. Anyone know what is going down there?

davyboy1975

alta stare wrote: »

Im looking forward to seeing it all lit up. I agree i think it will look fantastic. Anyone know what is going down there?

Theres a few gigs going ondown there think kila are playing over the weekend

Max Powers

Big Ferris wheel / Waterford eye looks great/big, will definitely be doing that with the kids.

erica74

914 wrote: »

I'd say the applemarket is going to look fantastic at night. Passed through today and the lights/tree and post box look really impressive.

Yes! I saw them putting up the lights on Tuesday so I can't wait to see it all finished and lit up. The decorations, lights etc are a good way to connect that area with the more central part of town.

fargojones123

Shame there is no Toy Museum this year. It was my favourite part of Winterval

PTH2009

Is the vip experience for the wheel €50 each or for the whole group ???

Max Powers

PTH2009 wrote: »

Is the vip experience for the wheel €50 each or for the whole group ???

I'd imagine fifty between group,

PTH2009

Max Powers wrote: »

I'd imagine fifty between group,

Cool should have beer/cider instead of processco lol

Squidvicious

road_high wrote: »

Right never been down to this but thinking of it this year. Heard good things about it, is it worth the trip?

Personally, I would advise visiting after dark - for me, the best thing about it is simply the atmosphere - there's a really nice vibe around. There's a touch of magic in the air with all of the lights and displays which you really see best after sundown.

longshanks

Was in around for a stroll earlier. Nice buzz about the place.

zurbfoundation

road_high wrote: »

Yes I think I'll pop down this year, web site looks impressive.

Will the mobile app be updated this year? It seemed not to be current or updated last year. I emailed the website people about it but no reply.

jimbo1979

Was in around the apple market.place is looking great and the big green post box is just fantastic

enniscorthy

THE KIDS LOVED IT AGAIN THIS YEAR WELL DONE ALL INVOLVED REGARDS BRIAN

alta stare

enniscorthy wrote: »

THE KIDS LOVED IT AGAIN THIS YEAR WELL DONE ALL INVOLVED REGARDS BRIAN

Did you shout that all the way from Enniscorthy ?

No but seriously glad ye liked it do come again. The buzz around makes Waterford come alive.

JohnC.

The wheel looks good with the animated lights.

Looks to be the very same as the one that got stuck in Galway. They can keep the broken one

Max Powers

JohnC. wrote: »

The wheel looks good with the animated lights.

Looks to be the very same as the one that got stuck in Galway. They can keep the broken one

Was on it, kids enjoyed it, worth a spin.heard about galway, nightmare, don't know if they same, said on radio, one on quay is biggest in country so I dunno, good views up top anyway.
I hope all the stuff in Apple market well barriered off, what with the rubber men and women out later.

road_high

Squidvicious wrote: »

Personally, I would advise visiting after dark - for me, the best thing about it is simply the atmosphere - there's a really nice vibe around. There's a touch of magic in the air with all of the lights and displays which you really see best after sundown.

Thanks that’s a good tip! I definitely want to see the Markets, I kinda gather from the website they alternate between three different streets/places but I’m sure we’ll fugure it out. One of the things I like about Waterford. It’s very easy get about. I usually park in the car parks along the Quay, cross the road and you’re in the main shopping area. 5 mins in light traffic and you’re out on the M9 (non rush hour).

Mankelland

jimbo1979 wrote: »

Was in around the apple market.place is looking great and the big green post box is just fantastic

Took the kids in and the place is looking fantastic. Very exciting to see.

SweetCaliber

Max Powers wrote: »

Was on it, kids enjoyed it, worth a spin.heard about galway, nightmare, don't know if they same, said on radio, one on quay is biggest in country so I dunno, good views up top anyway.
I hope all the stuff in Apple market well barriered off, what with the rubber men and women out later.

They look identical, and in size too. Don't fully know what happened to the one in Galway.

PTH2009

Max Powers wrote: »

I hope all the stuff in Apple market well barriered off, what with the rubber men and women out later.

And I hope so for Witmiss too, I imagine the students would love to tear down the giant tree for the craic

bullpost

Any chance of some pics?

MRnotlob606

I heard some people online kicking a fuss about how the horses are treated.

post from on facebook with over 1.k likes.

"I was in town yesterday enjoying all that Winterval has to offer, It gives a wonderful Christmas vibe around the city. Our day was ruined when those poor horses carrying the horse-drawn sleigh came past the carousel, where we were standing. One looked like it was going to collapse, it looked completely bet. The horse then came skidding towards us with its four legs sideways. I had a one year old in my arms and I thought it was going to crush us up against the carousel gates. Other children and adults around were also traumatised too, by the experience. My sister was so upset she ran after the horses and tried to plead with the workers to stop it, as the horse was still collapsing and sliding against the other horse beside it (the poor horse was completely unsteady on its legs). Of course her pleas fell on deaf ears and the sleigh continued to be dragged around for the afternoon. There has been so much controversy around animal cruelty and the rights of animals over the past few years. I have seen petitions, signed by thousands to ban horse and sulkies on the roads. It baffles me how anyone thinks this horse-drawn sleigh is acceptable to have at winterval every year! WHY isn't there more controversy over this! HOW IS THIS OK!!!!"

Max Powers

MRnotlob606 wrote: »

I heard some people online kicking a fuss about how the horses are treated.

post from on facebook with over 1.k likes.

"I was in town yesterday enjoying all that Winterval has to offer, It gives a wonderful Christmas vibe around the city. Our day was ruined when those poor horses carrying the horse-drawn sleigh came past the carousel, where we were standing. One looked like it was going to collapse, it looked completely bet. The horse then came skidding towards us with its four legs sideways. I had a one year old in my arms and I thought it was going to crush us up against the carousel gates. Other children and adults around were also traumatised too, by the experience. My sister was so upset she ran after the horses and tried to plead with the workers to stop it, as the horse was still collapsing and sliding against the other horse beside it (the poor horse was completely unsteady on its legs). Of course her pleas fell on deaf ears and the sleigh continued to be dragged around for the afternoon. There has been so much controversy around animal cruelty and the rights of animals over the past few years. I have seen petitions, signed by thousands to ban horse and sulkies on the roads. It baffles me how anyone thinks this horse-drawn sleigh is acceptable to have at winterval every year! WHY isn't there more controversy over this! HOW IS THIS OK!!!!"

I'd say because people have more stuff to be worrying about is the short answer.another fella was in paper saying how well they are treated, they rotate horses, fed and rested down by gasworks, bedding etc.he was basically saying people don't have a clue.another fella was saying how he saw horses pawing the ground when stopped indicating he wants to go, not stop.these horses are bred for millennia to do pulling work, used to be ploughs, etc.I'm no horse expert but he was convincing.I think they look well,if I hear them coming,I stand in out of way to watch them, impressive animals.I can understand some thinking its cruelty but as far as animals go, its fairly low, benign in my animal uneducated opinion.

Deiseen

Max Powers wrote: »

MRnotlob606 wrote: »

I heard some people online kicking a fuss about how the horses are treated.

post from on facebook with over 1.k likes.

"I was in town yesterday enjoying all that Winterval has to offer, It gives a wonderful Christmas vibe around the city. Our day was ruined when those poor horses carrying the horse-drawn sleigh came past the carousel, where we were standing. One looked like it was going to collapse, it looked completely bet. The horse then came skidding towards us with its four legs sideways. I had a one year old in my arms and I thought it was going to crush us up against the carousel gates. Other children and adults around were also traumatised too, by the experience. My sister was so upset she ran after the horses and tried to plead with the workers to stop it, as the horse was still collapsing and sliding against the other horse beside it (the poor horse was completely unsteady on its legs). Of course her pleas fell on deaf ears and the sleigh continued to be dragged around for the afternoon. There has been so much controversy around animal cruelty and the rights of animals over the past few years. I have seen petitions, signed by thousands to ban horse and sulkies on the roads. It baffles me how anyone thinks this horse-drawn sleigh is acceptable to have at winterval every year! WHY isn't there more controversy over this! HOW IS THIS OK!!!!"

I'd say because people have more stuff to be worrying about is the short answer.another fella was in paper saying how well they are treated, they rotate horses, fed and rested down by gasworks, bedding etc.he was basically saying people don't have a clue.another fella was saying how he saw horses pawing the ground when stopped indicating he wants to go, not stop.these horses are bred for millennia to do pulling work, used to be ploughs, etc.I'm no horse expert but he was convincing.I think they look well,if I hear them coming,I stand in out of way to watch them, impressive animals.I can understand some thinking its cruelty but as far as animals go, its fairly low, benign in my animal uneducated opinion.

I bet those complaining went in for a lovely chicken dinner after that post.

MRnotlob606

They even started a Facebook group. Incredible. Bet they feel real good about themselves

Christy Browne

Deiseen wrote: »

I bet those complaining went in for a lovely chicken dinner after that post.

So you have to be vegetarian to care about animal rights now? Christ above

lertsnim

Christy Browne wrote: »

So you have to be vegetarian to care about animal rights now? Christ above

You have to be vegan.

Deiseen

Christy Browne wrote: »

Deiseen wrote: »

I bet those complaining went in for a lovely chicken dinner after that post.

So you have to be vegetarian to care about animal rights now? Christ above

Not saying that but these people have gone out of their way to complain about animals beint mistreated when, from the sounds of it, they are treated very well.

No problem with raising animal rights, im all for it, but people are EXTREMELY selective when it comes to which rights they want to bring up

MRnotlob606

Deiseen wrote: »

Not saying that but these people have gone out of their way to complain about animals beint mistreated when, from the sounds of it, they are treated very well.

No problem with raising animal rights, im all for it, but people are EXTREMELY selective when it comes to which rights they want to bring up

Exactly and now people want to get rid of the main attractions to Winterval. People are selective in their mourning. They only pay attention to most overt things. Wonder when they're going to make the Facebook group against the butchering of horses for human consumption. All they want is pat themselves on the back.

alta stare

I was in around town today, there was a good buzz around good to see.

BBM77

Deiseen wrote: »

Not saying that but these people have gone out of their way to complain about animals beint mistreated when, from the sounds of it, they are treated very well.

No problem with raising animal rights, im all for it, but people are EXTREMELY selective when it comes to which rights they want to bring up

The same people probably leave their dog at home alone all day while they are in work. Which is very cruel for social animals like dogs.

Aquos76

I know the man quite well who works on the horse drawn sleigh and I can assure you that he has worked with horses for as long as I know him with is more than 30 years and he would not put up with any horse been mistreated.

dartboardio

I think it's actually €25 between group or am I wrong?

That aside, fair play to 'Winterval Waterford' they have the place looking better than ever, they did an absolutely fantastic job on the 'Winter village' in the apple market, really feels like I'm away somewhere!

The festival seems to be getting 'bigger and better' every year! I do wish there were more stalls though!

Mr.H

Are the reg showing movies this year?

Flow Motion

MRnotlob606 wrote: »

They even started a Facebook group. Incredible. Bet they feel real good about themselves

Unfortunately that is the way the world and most people's daily lives have become with social media. These days "everyone" has to be careful i.e stop + think before uttering a response to absolutely anything albeit in person and most especially online. The snowflake generation holds sway I am afraid. I know by posting a response on these boards I am participating in the conversations but does anyone else (then again anyone over the age of say 25yrs) long and yearn for a return to more innocent times? With the advent of the aforesaid social media together with the rise of Political Correctness it is nearly impossible to have a bit of slagging or a joke without someone jumping down your throat. To date I have resisted the urge to join facebook and twitter and will continue to do so. It's not healthy to be online, on the grid and constantly connected to a device. In that vein I suggest that for a change next weekend why not leave the car (and phone!) behind, walk down town and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas Winterval style!

Mr.H

There are many positives about being online. In fact it's stupid to stay off line just because there are morons online. What we need is more people with common sense posting online on facebook and twitter also. The more common sense people we have the stronger we become and the more mature the content becomes.

Don't be an avoided be a changer.

That all aside I use to live in Waterford and my girlfriend is from the city. We are often down and love the place. We can't wait to join the festivities this year. My only regret is that might not be showing movies in the reg

fricatus

Went on the Waterford Eye at the weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and will probably go once more while it's there - maybe at night this time.

poppies2

Any reports/feedback of the Winterval Santa? Was thinking of bringing the kids there this weekend.

Max Powers

poppies2 wrote: »

Any reports/feedback of the Winterval Santa? Was thinking of bringing the kids there this weekend.

Was there last year, very good, did the solas centre one this year.probably be back to winterval one next year.

poppies2

Max Powers wrote: »

Was there last year, very good, did the solas centre one this year.probably be back to winterval one next year.

Thanks Max Powers! It's moved to a new location this year, I haven't been to it in a couple of years so was thinking of doing it this year while at Winterval at the weekend.

mooseknunkle

poppies2 wrote: »

Thanks Max Powers! It's moved to a new location this year, I haven't been to it in a couple of years so was thinking of doing it this year while at Winterval at the weekend.

Its a different santa than previous years,the santa that used to be there is out in activate on the dunmore road now

iseegirls

Have to say that the lights around the apple market are excellent this year. The buzz around that area on Saturday was unreal. There was a kids dance performance to Christmas songs, elves zooming around in and out while the letters in the giant post box were being emptied, the horses coming though at different times as well. Michael Street was heaving as well. Great to see.

Jamie2k9

On a train earlier and a group of 50 young children were coming down from Dublin for the day. The leaders with them said they have been to Galway the last few years and they were disappointed last year hence the change. Hopefully it goes well down here for them...