Winterval 2018

greenspurs

Starts this weekend with Santa arriving on Saturday !!

The "Waterford Eye" was put in place over the weekend, and looks amazing all lit up on the Quay.

914

Also new christmas for Michael st which will be a welcome addition.

alta stare

greenspurs wrote: »

Starts this weekend with Santa arriving on Saturday !!

The "Waterford Eye" was put in place over the weekend, and looks amazing all lit up on the Quay.

Worth going up in aswell.

Johnboy1951

greenspurs wrote: »

Starts this weekend with Santa arriving on Saturday !!

The "Waterford Eye" was put in place over the weekend, and looks amazing all lit up on the Quay.

Santa arriving in November!

What a crock!

greenspurs

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Santa arriving in November!

What a crock!

Sorry Ebeneezer .......

*Bah Humbug ... :rolleyes:

Johnboy1951

greenspurs wrote: »

Sorry Ebeneezer .......

*Bah Humbug ... :rolleyes:

At least Ebeneezer did not have to materialise until Xmas eve :P

fargojones123

No Toy Museum again. It was my favourite thing.

Harry Palmr

Saw them testing the big wheel on the quay this lunchtime.

erica74

Anyone think the small "big" wheel at the front of City Square is in a bit of a shite location? It's stuck in between the buildings on that narrow street and I can't imagine, even at the top, that there's a great view. Maybe I'm wrong?

mooseknunkle

erica74 wrote: »

Anyone think the small "big" wheel at the front of City Square is in a bit of a shite location? It's stuck in between the buildings on that narrow street and I can't imagine, even at the top, that there's a great view. Maybe I'm wrong?

I seen that last night and i was thinking the exact same thing its in a stupid location

erica74

mooseknunkle wrote: »

I seen that last night and i was thinking the exact same thing its in a stupid location

I thought the street between dealz and Dunnes, where it was for Spraoi (I think), was a better location, at least you could see a bit more. Bear in mind, I've never been on it so I could well be totally wrong.

Wanderer2010

Anything new or different from last year?

914

Great crowd around town for the opening night. Real buzz about the the place.

I have a gripe that I have every year, do they actually check the lights before the put them up?

Two of the lights on barronstrand street are only half working. Two of the balls in the applemarket and lights under the canopy are not working.

Lights on lower michael st are not up yet, no lights on patrick st, arundal square.

I know this is more if a council issue and not winterval, but if we are selling ourselves as Irelands Christmas captial sort out the bloody presentation of the city.

Rant over on that part.

Santa looked great and was very friendly.

JohnC.

erica74 wrote: »

Anyone think the small "big" wheel at the front of City Square is in a bit of a shite location? It's stuck in between the buildings on that narrow street and I can't imagine, even at the top, that there's a great view. Maybe I'm wrong?

I saw it in action this evening. I'm not sure the view is it's thing. Looks more about speed at the rate it was going. If there was a view you wouldn't have much time to see it.

erica74

JohnC. wrote: »

I saw it in action this evening. I'm not sure the view is it's thing. Looks more about speed at the rate it was going. If there was a view you wouldn't have much time to see it.

Ah okay okay, that makes a bit more sense then, more fun rather than sightseeing.

comeraghs

The City is looking great. Fair play to all involved in Winterval. Great for the City.

savic04

anything new ?

love winterval but found it very boring last year, kinda needs a change

great to see though dont get me wrong, suppose its hard to keep fresh

Smell the glove

The wheel outside city square would want to head off with its dance music pumping out of it. Not very Christmassy!

potatohouse

same shiite every year

Gardner

was in around yesterday. same ****e just a different year. the wheel down by Dunnes is a complete farce and half the lights are not even working!

Max Powers

Black Friday weekend happening in city square this weekend.

mooseknunkle

potatohouse wrote: »

same shiite every year

Gardner wrote: »

was in around yesterday. same ****e just a different year. the wheel down by Dunnes is a complete farce and half the lights are not even working!

What would either of you done differently this year?

Johnboy1951

mooseknunkle wrote: »

What would either of you done differently this year?

Maybe they will get involved and improve things for next year, then it won't be 'the same old sh1te'.

Captain Red Beard

potatohouse wrote: »

same shiite every year

Gardner wrote: »

was in around yesterday. same ****e just a different year. the wheel down by Dunnes is a complete farce and half the lights are not even working!

Bitches gonna bitch.

iphonehead

I find it hard to understand the moaning every year... it brings a buzz to the city... it cheers people up... sure it’s not perfect but what is? Remember when there was no Winterval? I don’t !

914

iphonehead wrote: »

I find it hard to understand the moaning every year... it brings a buzz to the city... it cheers people up... sure it’s not perfect but what is? Remember when there was no Winterval? I don’t !

Fully agree, at the end of the day it is a Festival for families and kids mainly.

I can only imagine the excitement this would bring if I was a child.

Hard to see what could be done differently, for those complaining I would love to here their ideas and get involved in Winterval with their suggestions.

I wouldn't think winterval have a massive budget and for what they have they do a wonderful job.

Max Powers

914 wrote: »

Fully agree, at the end of the day it is a Festival for families and kids mainly.

I can only imagine the excitement this would bring if I was a child.

Hard to see what could be done differently, for those complaining I would love to here their ideas and get involved in Winterval with their suggestions.

I wouldn't think winterval have a massive budget and for what they have they do a wonderful job.

To be fair, there is little to no complaining, just the usual few who whine about everything, winterval, harvest, day tripper, whatever, usual few who offer nothing, we all know lads like this in real life too, generally lads who never amount to anything.
Haven't been down constitution square yet, is that Italian fella there selling cannoli and those Italian mascarpone doughnuts there? A must try, had last year, hoping he's back.

azimuth17

Same old moaners here again. Determined to knock any initiative in Waterford. If Harrods and Galeries Lafayette opened stores here the usual idiots would tell you they were useless. Anyone looking at Waterford City boards over any length of time can identify the usual (idiot) suspects.

Wanderer2010

Max Powers wrote: »

To be fair, there is little to no complaining, just the usual few who whine about everything, winterval, harvest, day tripper, whatever, usual few who offer nothing, we all know lads like this in real life too, generally lads who never amount to anything.
Haven't been down constitution square yet, is that Italian fella there selling cannoli and those Italian mascarpone doughnuts there? A must try, had last year, hoping he's back.

Well you could set your watch to your elaborate and sarcastic replies to anyone who doesn't agree with your opinion, are you like that in real life?

To disprove your stupid little "Its always the same old whingers" proclamation, I love the Harvest Festival and precisely because it has evolved from being a one day event only on the Quay to several days and involves workshops and lots more activities and bands etc. Winterval seems to have crossed its arms stubbornly and decided that a big Wheel and a few overpriced stalls is all that its offering. It needs something better, something like House of Horrors only Christmas themed. More affordable stalls. So remember, Max Powers, not everyone who disagrees with you is wrong!

Emanine

This year's new events are:

Spraoi's Winter Wonderland in Wyse Park,
12 Days of Winterval,
Santa's Grotto is new & improved.
House of Waterford Crystal Classical Music series.

That's just four that I can think of.

With regard to the 'few overpriced stalls' - I was impressed by the offering this year. I follow the Winterval pages on Social Media, and to be fair, there seems to be a lot of Craft events & stalls on this year (I saw Wreath-making, Jewellery making to name two). The Irish Craft Council also have a large stall, which is for the smaller vendors to come together and offer their wares. Then theres the Garter Lane Craft Fair.

I'm so tired of this 'Winterval is ****' attitude. It's a Christmas Festival. It makes the city look great. There is something on offer for all children, regardless of age.
The organisers this year are new. They're never done this Festival before.

I am in no way affiliated with the festival, but I do love it.

PTH2009

going to a look around tomorrow with the family

love the festival and it really adds to the excitment of xmas

Max Powers

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Well you could set your watch to your elaborate and sarcastic replies to anyone who doesn't agree with your opinion, are you like that in real

Elaborate and sarcastic...nothing of the sort in my post, one of the original seriel whiners said he was in on Wednesday, all Winterval events are not fully on until Friday to Sunday so he didn't see it all, probably saw nothing, just nonsense from usuals is all.as I said, they bad mouth everything, do nothing.
House of horrors except Christmas theme, kinda like a Santa's grotto...if only they thought of that.
Good crowds around today in spite of weather, good to see.

PTH2009

Really enjoyed the day

Horse sleight ride was good, whole city was buzzing and the santa in the old quay sorting office was amazing for the kids something they will remember for years to come

friendlyfun

Have no problems with the festival at all in fact it's brilliant from the crowds I saw yesterday .

But the organised begging around this city is getting rediculous. There are three beggers operating between Penny's and the towards the corner of the AIB on the Quay. That's just in that small area.

dartboardio

mooseknunkle wrote: »

I seen that last night and i was thinking the exact same thing its in a stupid location

Yupbad location alright and behind it by cafe Nero (old sports savers) there’s nothing there so looks fairly run down

lassykk

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Well you could set your watch to your elaborate and sarcastic replies to anyone who doesn't agree with your opinion, are you like that in real life?

This made me chuckle

On topic, going into Winterval this weekend coming, weather permitting. To be honest I couldn't give a shíte once my little one enjoys it as Christmas is for kids (in my opinion)... I doubt any of them mind if it's a bit repetitive year on year. As they get older they will be interested in different parts of the experience so something new each year in that regard

914

lassykk wrote: »

This made me chuckle

On topic, going into Winterval this weekend coming, weather permitting. To be honest I couldn't give a shíte once my little one enjoys it as Christmas is for kids (in my opinion)... I doubt any of them mind if it's a bit repetitive year on year. As they get older they will be interested in different parts of the experience so something new each year in that regard

I would highly recommend the letter collection on the applemarkat at 4.30. Its brilliant and the kids love it

Flow Motion

Christmas is for kids. And Winterval tries to spread the magic around the City for a few weeks. Its great to the see and hear the smiles & laughs of all the kids on any given weekend around town in the run up to Christmas. I hope they will retain the memories for a lifetime. There's enough bad things in the world so anything that highlights the good in life is welcome. The town looks good. There's a nice festive buzz about. What's not too like. As another post stated "what was the town like before Winterval??". If you don't like it then avoid town till mid January then.

joebloggs123

Going down for a long weekend and will probably go around the various activities in the evening. Is there much about Waterford in general to do during the day? Will have a toddler with us

Max Powers

joebloggs123 wrote: »

Going down for a long weekend and will probably go around the various activities in the evening. Is there much about Waterford in general to do during the day? Will have a toddler with us

Number 9 restaurant good for kids anyway, food Nice too, sit near play area all the way in. Plenty of food stalls around too, start off cathedral square area.
Since here for weekend, I'd try look at winterval events and see what you fancy.

Samsgirl

Was in around town this afternoon and evening. Have to say they have done a fantastic job this year. The place was buzzing.

I had my 7yr old with me and she loved the elf post collection routine and how they involved all the children onlooking.

The light show was lovely this year, really kept everyone's attention and the atmosphere was magic.

My only issue is with the horses lugging people around in the carriage. Especially on the cobbled pedestrian areas. Now, I'm assured by folk that they are well cared for, swapped regularly with another set and get lots of rest but it doesn't sit right with me.

Enjoy it!

Smell the glove

Samsgirl wrote: »

Was in around town this afternoon and evening. Have to say they have done a fantastic job this year. The place was buzzing.

I had my 7yr old with me and she loved the elf post collection routine and how they involved all the children onlooking.

The light show was lovely this year, really kept everyone's attention and the atmosphere was magic.

My only issue is with the horses lugging people around in the carriage. Especially on the cobbled pedestrian areas. Now, I'm assured by folk that they are well cared for, swapped regularly with another set and get lots of rest but it doesn't sit right with me.

Enjoy it!

The horses are bred for that. If it doesn't do what's it's bred for then that would be cruel. Like dopey dog owners who own a big dog and don't walk the thing and then wonder why it's mad and always barking etc.

The Royal Scam

I live in Carlow and we have been travelling down with our 3 kids every year.
I'm not a moaner and for the first few years I absolutely loved it , and everything about it, but last year was a bit lack lustre but we just thought maybe it was just a bad year. After about 90 mins yesterday , my kids wanted to go home. They all complained that it was nothing like the early years.

I tried to explain the positives and encourage them but they just feel the magic is not there and were wondering where all the activities and decoration was. Its a pity as as a family we really looked forward to it every year but after 2017 and yesterday , I think that will be it for us.

road_high

The Royal Scam wrote: »

I live in Carlow and we have been travelling down with our 3 kids every year.
I'm not a moaner and for the first few years I absolutely loved it , and everything about it, but last year was a bit lack lustre but we just thought maybe it was just a bad year. After about 90 mins yesterday , my kids wanted to go home. They all complained that it was nothing like the early years.

I tried to explain the positives and encourage them but they just feel the magic is not there and were wondering where all the activities and decoration was. Its a pity as as a family we really looked forward to it every year but after 2017 and yesterday , I think that will be it for us.

What was lacking the past few years vs the previous years?
I keep meaning to head down myself as I’ve never been. Maybe there’s certain days where there’s more going on (timetabled events).

Johnboy1951

The Royal Scam wrote: »

I live in Carlow and we have been travelling down with our 3 kids every year.
I'm not a moaner and for the first few years I absolutely loved it , and everything about it, but last year was a bit lack lustre but we just thought maybe it was just a bad year. After about 90 mins yesterday , my kids wanted to go home. They all complained that it was nothing like the early years.

I tried to explain the positives and encourage them but they just feel the magic is not there and were wondering where all the activities and decoration was. Its a pity as as a family we really looked forward to it every year but after 2017 and yesterday , I think that will be it for us.

Kids get older and their expectations change, which might also have a bearing on their reactions.

Sorry to hear they were not entertained.

The Royal Scam

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

Kids get older and their expectations change, which might also have a bearing on their reactions.

Sorry to hear they were not entertained.

No they are 8, 10 and 14, and it is not a case they were not entertained, they are easily pleased to be fair and are happy go lucky kids. There just did not seem to be the same breath of events and also they normally really enjoy over in front and across from Waterford Crystal, but there was almost nothing there. We went looking for an elves event over at Lombard street and got hassled by a junkie and could not find the event at all.
Then went back to find the toy museum and they were really dissapointed when it was not there.
On our way back towards the small Ferris wheel my 10 yr old was asked for some change and his Leinster cap from a beggar. There was a fair few beggars around and it was obvious from an exchange between 2 of them that it is organised.
Anyway , I am not dissing Winterval, and credit to the organisers as they still do great work. I am just giving my opinion. The magic is gone for us, and we have many really nice family memories from years before.

TheQuietFella

Samsgirl wrote: »

Was in around town this afternoon and evening. Have to say they have done a fantastic job this year. The place was buzzing.

I had my 7yr old with me and she loved the elf post collection routine and how they involved all the children onlooking.

The light show was lovely this year, really kept everyone's attention and the atmosphere was magic.

My only issue is with the horses lugging people around in the carriage. Especially on the cobbled pedestrian areas. Now, I'm assured by folk that they are well cared for, swapped regularly with another set and get lots of rest but it doesn't sit right with me.

Enjoy it!

They should be shot and sent to the knackers yard for glue production!
When will all this sh*te ever end?

Samsgirl

TheQuietFella wrote: »

They should be shot and sent to the knackers yard for glue production!
When will all this sh*te ever end?

Possibly when no one one cares about animals anymore

comeraghs

I was in at Winterval on Friday & again on Sunday with my 2 kids & we all enjoyed it.

The new SPRAOI Winter Wonderland in Wyse Park was a huge hit. I had to drag the 2 1/2 year old out of there.

The Light show was very good, with the surprise at the end a big hit.

The Carousel Ride & the Big Wheel on the Quay were popular too.

The play area & selfie station in Georges Court were also good.

The Art Exhibition at 44TheQuay was lovely too for us biggies.

TheQuietFella

I'll be down on Sunday for a look! Looking forward to it.

kuang1

TheQuietFella wrote: »

I'll be down on Sunday for a look! Looking forward to it.

Looking forward to Winterval?

Or getting to rant afresh on here afterwards?