Cork 2005 Carnival

Credit Arthur Ellis, Provision

Cork started its tenure as European Capital of Culture with one of the biggest Credit Arthur Ellis, Provision parties ever seen in Ireland – an international carnival and a street party for 100,000 revellers in the city centre.

Throughout the historic day for Cork, hundreds of street performers from all over the world brought the streets of Cork city to life with the sound of samba music and urban drum and base and the sight of fire eaters, circus acts and giant puppeteers. With 10 individual carnival stages located throughout Patrick Street, Grand Parade and South Mall, the Cork 2005 Carnival was a sight to behold. Acts included:

MaSamba’s feathered carnival queens
Cork’s own John Spillane and Cara O’Sullivan
Bui Bolg’s Hillbilly giants
Giant spiders and caterpillars
A group of hairy gorillas
Comedy acts
Cork Community Circus’ firey dragons
DJ’s
Rock and Roll
Skiffle bands
A giant robot
Percussion groups
And much, much, much more!

There was fun for young and old alike and families came into the city in their thousands to enjoy the festivities.