Four Nations Open Call for Artists

Spraoi is delighted to announce that its 2027 Four Nations artists’ open call has commenced.

This Spraoi programme is partnered by three other compatible festivals in England, Scotland, and Wales. It assists developing Irish artists to create new street performances. The ‘Four Nations’  partnership provides  performance, and touring possibilities – along with cash, mentoring, studio facilities, prop making resources, travel, and accommodation. N.E.S.T artists will present a new show during Spraoi International Street Arts Festival 2026. They will also be assisted to perform to UK audiences at Spraoi’s partnering ‘Four Nations’ festivals.

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE

Huge Hit for First Spraoi Heineken Weekender

Spraoi’s first Heineken Weekender on O’Connell Street was an incredible success. For three days and nights the area hosted thousands of music lovers. They were offered an eclectic blend of wonderful musicians and musical styles. The mix included influences from rock, folk, cajun, rockabilly, zydeco, choral, brass, and Japanese taiko drumming. They were also offered great food, drinks, and atmosphere. Thanks to Spraoi’s partners Heineken, Tom Mahers, Phoenix Yard, and Tully’s for all your work throughout the Weekender. Very special thanks to Claire, Ed, John, and Keith for believing in and for investing in Spraoi’s vision for Spraoi’s Heineken Weekender.

Spraoi Parade Attracts Thousands

Thousands of spectators created an enormous energy buzz as the 2026 Spraoi Parade ‘Howl’ wove its way along the city’s historic streets and quays. Over two hundred costumed performers, bespoke floats, fire, light, sound and music delighted audiences of all ages for with Waterford’s biggest night of the summer. It was a blast to the senses.

Spraoi Parade Sponsored by:

Picture: Sky Vision Digital Cinematography

People Have The Power!

It is said: “It takes a village to rear a child”. It takes hundreds of people to rear Spraoi Festival into life each year.

Some are professionals, many are volunteers. They come from all walks of life: students, technicians, truck drivers, teachers, mechanics, community leaders, nurses, journalists, Gardai, child care workers, Council staff – in fact just about every human activity. They bring their skills, enthusiasm, knowledge, good humour, love of Spraoi, and pride in Waterford. They are all ages and come from all backgrounds. So many brilliant people working together to bring fun into people’s lives on a weekend when Waterford is just a magic and uplifting place to be.

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UmaKoko

Wave: All Around the World is a 20 minutes outdoor dance experience.  It’s a show where you are not just watching a performance unfold, you are a part of the show.

From the first clap, this piece builds its rhythm through sound that resonates and brings the audience together, with a strong movement introduction and ends with a finale with everyone joining in. Blending street styles from across cultures, WAVE celebrates dance as a universal language that connects us all, alive, evolving, empowering and powered by community.

Expect music made by bodies, stories told through movement, and a finale where everyone joins in.

As this year’s selected 4 Nations artists from Ireland, UmaKoko joins an inspiring collective of talent from across the UK, including Punjabi Roots (England), Delululand (Scotland), Ronan McMahon (Scotland), Erin Hughes (Wales), and Krystal S. Lowe and Amber Howells (Wales).

Upcoming Street Arts Events

A series of exciting events are planned by friends and national colleagues of Spraoi over the coming months. If you are travelling these will be well worth checking-out:

National Circus Festival of Ireland, Tralee, 5th – 8^th November. This is a lively weekend with top contemporary circus performers featuring.

Longford’s Dead of Night Festival features a Samhain Parade over Halloween Weekend.

Cian Kinsella is a fantastic comedic and physical performer. Cian is coming to an arts centre near you soon with: ‘Chop’.

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Video 2026 Spraoi Festival

Ace cameraman and editor Maurice Supple of Blue Shed Productions has documented Spraoi International Street Arts Festival for many years.

Maurice deeply immerses himself with audiences, performers, technical crews, and volunteers to create an authentic telling of their Spraoi story. Here is a sample of Maurice’s Spraoi ’26 view. 

Visit Waterford

Waterford City and county is a great visitor location throughout the year.

Waterford City, Dungarvan, and Tramore all offer seasonal Christmas attractions. The Waterford coast, mountains and Greenway provide stunning strolling locations. For updates on locations and attractions see Visit Waterford:

• visitwaterford.com
• discoverireland.ie
• ireland.ie

Welcome To Spraoi Studios

Spraoi Studios are home to the award wining company. Each year the studios produce and assist small and large scale productions that entertain audiences at home and abroad. They consist of workshops, prop-making rooms, costume rooms, rehearsal spaces, other artists support areas, and lawns for outdoor rehearsals. They are also home to rabbits, foxes, and other wildlife.

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