Having a 'whale of a time' at Galway Arts Festival 'Moby Dick' parade
A massive whale, measuring seven metres high, will take to the streets of Galway City this weekend as part of the Galway International Arts Festival’s street spectacle.
The Whale Street is a re-imagining of Moby Dick that will transform Galway into a vast, moving stage.
The event is expected to bring tens of thousands of spectators lining the city’s streets.
At its centre are two remarkable creations: Ahab’s 15-metre ship, complete with mast for aerial feats, and an 18-metre whale, brought to life with hydraulics and dramatic water effects.
The height of the Whale itself is seven metres with acrobats performing above the piece.
The parade route will travel from Eyre Square through William Street, Shop Street, to Mainguard Street and onto Dominick Street and finishing at Fishmarket Square.
This is the Irish premiere of the spectacle by Compagnie PPP from France.
The parade takes place on Friday and Saturday July 17 and18 at 9.30pm.
A spokesperson for Galway City Council said maroon and white bunting in support of Galway’s All-Ireland senior hurlers who play Limerick in the final on Sunday would have to be removed to facilitate the show.
“The bunting unfortunately may interfere with the acrobats’ performance and could become a hazard.
“As a result, we have advised that bunting along the parade may be removed on July 17 and 18 to allow the performances to take place,” a Council spokesperson said.
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