DeanAustin wrote: » Brought the kids on Sunday for the day. There was some good and some not so good. The day was a bit slow kicking off which was fair enough. Santa was great although I’m not sure about the location. Last year it was in the same place but seemed there was more space. They’ve also had it in better locations throughout the years. Santa himself was good with the kids and they loved him. I had mixed feelings on the kids choosing their toys. In one sense, I’d rather have Santa give them the presents. In another, there is less chance of them getting something they don’t want. One year, they give Winterval branded teddy bears to everyone which were just utter sh!te. So all in all, the Santa experience was a good one. The town looked well and the stalls were really well set out and created a good atmosphere. The collection of the letters in the Apple Market was fantastic. The guy doing it was brilliant as were the kids dancing but the whole event was really enjoyable and very well organised. For a free event it was top class. The Waterford Eye was great as was the horse ride. I took a trip up to Wyse Park but it was closed and looked abandoned almost. Maybe I went at the wrong time (around 3pm). I do feel though that the event has lost something over the last few years. Down around Reginald’s Tower used to be one of the epicentres of the event, now there is nothing. I don’t know why but it’s a shame. Things like the Toy Museum, Santa and the Storytelling down by the Reg made that a corner of activity. Also, Waterford On Ice has been moved away from the Quay I think which is a shame too. Having it so central meant people would see it even if they didn’t go and added to the event as a whole. I love Winterval and think it was a stroke of genius from whoever came up with it. It makes me proud of Waterford even though I no longer live there. I fully understand that with a festival as big as this, you will have hits and misses. I just hope that we continue to have more hits with it.
iphonehead wrote: » I honestly wonder do people expect too much from Winterval. That's not a criticism of anyone by the way. The Bishops Palace / Theatre Royal area does seem to be a critical mass of things though with the Horse Drawn Sleigh, Helter Skelter, Light show, market, Entertainment Stage and Panto all running in a very small proximity of each other... I wonder if it was spread out a little more maybe? then again - easy for me to say behind a keyboard.. the logistics wouldn't be my strong point. I think being around that area any day Winterval is on is a great buzz and I love the atmosphere down there with hundreds at the light show and hundreds at the panto too... great buzz. They'd want to have a little look at some of the stalls prices though - but overall as I said before - I can't remember Waterford without Winterval, and I'd rather not see it without it in the future.
engiweirdo wrote: » It's likely because if it was just sold as a Christmas Market, it would be grand for what Waterford is; small grimmish market town/ex-city. Brings a small bit of colour and life to town. It's actually marketed as "Ireland's Christmas Festival" though and I'd say a good few people arrive here expecting a bit more and leave kinda perplexed thinking is that it?
Stopitwillya wrote: » Another wonderful post from Mr positive. Moan, moan, moan on every thread possible. And then wonder why you can't get a job.
azimuth17 wrote: » How long did it take you to think up a post as offensive as that?
Captain Red Beard wrote: » Germany versus Waterford eh?
comeraghs wrote: » Having been to both Limerick & Galway over the last 3 weekends I really have to say that WINTERVAL is by far the best event & it really is disappointing to see such pointless negativity from a few. but some will be miserable whatever happens.
alta stare wrote: » Galway is the most over rated place in this country. The buzz in Waterford over xmas is great. Way better than most places. I have noticed tho and I dont know maybe im out of the loop a bit more lately but to me it doesnt seem as if Winterval is being advertised as much this year. Is it losing its appeal, or is it a budget thing???
Deiseen wrote: » Galway is a great place. There's a reason it gets over a million tourists a year. We could learn a thing or two from them.
alta stare wrote: » It gets it because of its location not because the city itself is great.
Deiseen wrote: » Any tourist that I've known that's ever been to Galway has loved it. It's a great place.
alta stare wrote: » Well now you have come across someone who thinks it is overrated. Mad isnt it.
Deiseen wrote: » You're entitled to your opinion but the place is booming so it's doing something right.
azimuth17 wrote: » Its the poster child for the "west" and is very successful on that basis. Its development has been bought into by other counties in the province. No one can deny that it is"sexy" in visitor and tourism terms. Lots of government funding has helped over the years. Better politicians, better lobbying? Annual income from tourism circa €500m. Waterford circa €85m. 23000 third level students does help though.
alta stare wrote: » It is booming for many reasons same as Waterford could. That side of the country was always going to have a big bustling place where people went and Galway happens to be that place. Waterford on the other hand has to contend with Kilkenny, Cork and to some degree Wexford.
Deiseen wrote: » alta stare wrote: » It is booming for many reasons same as Waterford could. That side of the country was always going to have a big bustling place where people went and Galway happens to be that place. Waterford on the other hand has to contend with Kilkenny, Cork and to some degree Wexford. Same as Waterford isnt.
engiweirdo wrote: » Seems everywhere is in on the party but us. Just like last time.
Max Powers wrote: » engiweirdo wrote: » Seems everywhere is in on the party but us. Just like last time. A lot of people partying here too engi, not you, plenty of others though.
