Macnas Parade Any Good?

Chicken1

Did not make it this year just wondering did I miss much, talking to a few that were there it was very short.

snubbleste

There is a recession on don't you know.

dilallio

We went along yesterday, and while it was shortish (20 - 30 mins), it was very enjoyable. The detail that went into some of the floats was amazing, and the performers gave it everything in terms of energy.

inisboffin

It was great craic to do anyway! I have to say the attention to detail in the costumes this year was particularly excellent.

TobyZiegler

Definitely a case of quality over quantity. Floats were fantastic and it was clear that a lot of work went in to all the costumes. Fair play to all involved.

No fireworks anymore though? Too expensive?

mikom

Chicken1 wrote: »

talking to a few that were there it was very short.

Yep, KD was the grand marshal.

Galwayps

Same as most posters. The detail especially the Rhino? in the wheelchair was brilliant.
Well done to all

wet-paint

The Rhino was class, the rats with fire in their bellies, it was all very steampunk. I liked it.

spinandscribble

those costumes were incredibly, I can't imagine the amount of hours that went into it.

moonflower

It was fantastic, and I didn't find it short at all. The last one I was at was the last night-time one, two years ago, and yesterday's parade was far, far better.

Eeden

I thought it was one of the best ever. Yes, it was short, but the quality was there. The steampunk style was great to look at. The costumes in particular were excellent. Well done, guys.

dinneenp

Just wondering why wasn't there one in the daytime for younger kids as well as the evening ine?

Krieg

some basic pics, didn't get any good ones of the performers

http://i53.tinypic.com/2mbct1.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/ml5lk2.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/24cfnud.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/5arel5.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/2822w08.jpg

inisboffin

dinneenp wrote: »

Just wondering why wasn't there one in the daytime for younger kids as well as the evening ine?

It would be logistically pretty impossible for the same company to do one in the daytime too. Not to mention extra traffic hassle too. Macnas do a nighttime one every few years, and I think it's good to have that.

A lot of my friends' little kids saw it, and part of the thrill was being allowed to stay up late! There's also a different kind of magic to a nighttime parade with things a little more strange and stuff going bang. Good to mix it up.

dr.bollocko

Two thumbs up. Very enjoyable.

What was the theme btw?

Inky_Lady

I loved it. It was my first time at a Macnas parade, being new to Gaillimh - I have to say that I was blown away by the attention to detail. A stunning parade, both visually and aurally (loved the drums!)
There were plenty of children there, which I thought added to the atmosphere greatly. It was magical:-)

galwayrush

dr.bollocko wrote: »

Two thumbs up. Very enjoyable.

What was the theme btw?

Beat me to the 2 thumbs up comment.:D

loser2old4board

It was very well done.
Fair play to everyone who worked on it.
I really enjoyed it.

hamsterboy

Twas my 6th Arts Festival parade to drum in and it was defo one of the most enjoyable..... crowd really gave the energy back to us and everyone had good fun... see yez next year!

babouska

My first Macnas Parade too, really enjoyed it, it was full of fun and energy.

Aurora Borealis

It was the best one I've seen in a few years. Loved it! Thank you Ms. Kavanagh.

Ruire

dr.bollocko wrote: »

What was the theme btw?

This Fierce Beauty

"Macnas Artistic Director Noeline Kavanagh, her third year in the role. She describes this year's theme as one of invention with undertones of sex, risk and adventure"

Which was interesting and all what with the gf in it.

TheCosmicFrog

This was my first ever Macnas parade. I'd convinced myself I don't like parades based solely on the Paddy's Day celebrations every year. In reality, this was completely different. The colours, the fire, the general nonsensicalness of the whole thing was completely class. Would definitely go again next year.

inisboffin

Found a lovely slideshow by photographer Seán Mc Cormac, showing some of the 'characters' in the parade here

Two parade videos from GAF TV...

http://www.gaftv.ie/mdisp/360

http://www.gaftv.ie/mdisp/364

inisboffin

radiocontrolled wrote: »

Two parade videos from GAF TV...

http://www.gaftv.ie/mdisp/360

http://www.gaftv.ie/mdisp/364

LOVE the 'magic number' one!

A bit disappointed with the edit of the other one tbh. A load of 'bits' ommitted and multiple coverage of one or two bits. But maybe they had footage issues?

There was a lot of footage overall. We used fifteen or so cameras for the parade shoot. The footage from the first video was all taken from one camera and then the second video is from every camera that was used. Glad you liked the first video! I was the editor on that. I really like the second video though too I have to say.

inisboffin

radiocontrolled wrote: »

There was a lot of footage overall. We used fifteen or so cameras for the parade shoot. The footage from the first video was all taken from one camera and then the second video is from every camera that was used. Glad you liked the first video! I was the editor on that. I really like the second video though too I have to say.

Ye do a brill job in GAF TV I have to say, I'm always impressed with the level of work ye do
I knew ye had multiple cameras, and the second one looks fine, it's just an edit taste thing - I felt like there were 8 or 9 shots of one set of dancers and none of say the balloon guy, street sweeper, explorer etc. The firs vid captured the vibe more for me tbh, but again, nothing wrong - just taste!
Well done again on your edit

squonk

I'm new to Galway too and this was my first Macnas parade. I'd only seen bits on telly before this.

I was so surprised and really enjoyed it. I really got drawn into the spirit of the whole thing and I was really surprised that I ended up in awe at some of it, like the really bright flares and the hippo. It was really, really enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next one already.

Is there going to be one for Halloween too?

kippy

As already stated, there probably wasnt as many floats/people in the parade (hard to tell) as other years but what was there was most excellent. Stunning detail on everything, plenty noise and music. It's the best one I have seen so far in my opinion.
Well done to all - always a "must see" event in my year anyway.