Corkmas Parade to Go Ahead Tonight Despite Yellow Rain Warning
Dress for wet weather but leave umbrellas at home. Road closures from 6pm.
The Corkmas parade, Cork city's official start to the Christmas season, will proceed as planned this evening despite a yellow rain warning being in effect for the city centre.
Cork City Council has confirmed the parade will go ahead following close consultation with Met Éireann about weather conditions. Whilst it will be wet throughout the day and evening, officials say there are currently no indications of widespread river flooding, and importantly, no tidal flooding is expected in the city centre.
The situation is being monitored closely, with the public set to be informed of any changes through Cork City Council and Corkmas social media channels, as well as through local media.
Tonight's parade has been six months in the planning. Council officials note that preparing for bad weather is built into the planning of all outdoor events in Ireland, but given the extensive engagement and logistics involved, postponing or rescheduling is not possible. The performers have been booked for months, with many scheduled to be elsewhere tomorrow and over the coming days.
In a lighthearted touch, Santa has reportedly advised anyone coming to see him to dress for wet weather, complete with raincoats, hoods and suitable footwear. However, he's advising against umbrellas on the parade route itself, as they might block the view. Rain doesn't bother Santa on Christmas Eve, and it won't bother him tonight either.
The parade begins at 7pm and will feature dancers, marching bands and performers. It will travel from North Main Street, along Washington Street to Patrick Street, and on to Bridge Street and MacCurtain Street, finishing around 8pm.
Road closures and traffic diversions will be in place in the city centre from 6pm. Motorists have been advised to plan ahead and expect delays, with public transport timetables also affected. The Black Ash Park and Ride service will remain open until 10pm.
A rugby match at Virgin Media Park at 7.30pm is also likely to add to traffic congestion on some routes into the city.
