Brought to you by Cork Midsummer Festival. 

Just when you thought you’d seen it all.

Seven towering red giraffes will gracefully parade through Cork’s St Patrick’s Street this June as part of a truly magical spectacle that will be free for all to enjoy.

Brought to us by the wonderful folks at Cork Midsummer Festival and Cork City Council, supported by the Open Streets series, Les Girafes: An Animal Operetta, led by a captivating operatic diva, will take over Cork’s main thoroughfare twice on Sunday, June 22nd, once at 2pm and again later that night at 9pm.

Watch the magic unfold…

The work of renowned French street theatre company Compagnie OFF, directed by Philippe Fresion, the 60-minute performance has captivated and delighted cities across Europe, offering a unique fusion of whimsical puppetry and operatic grandeur.

“Accompanied by a troupe of bumbling keepers, musicians, and performers, behold as the streets of Cork are transformed into a fantastical urban savannah.” say the organisers.

“This mesmerising procession promises to enchant audiences of all ages. Blending circus arts, opera, and street theatre into one breathtaking display of colour and sound.”

An accessible area will be available at the taxi rank outside Dunnes Stores and ear defenders are recommended for those sensitive to loud noise.

Expect a wondrously chaotic yet poetic parade that captivates audiences of all ages, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The Cork Midsummer Festival weaves a special kind of magic through the city, transforming familiar streets and heritage spaces into vibrant stages for a dazzling array of artistic expression for ten days every June. Check out the full programme for 2025 at corkmidsummer.com. 

Main image: Les Girafes by Compagnie OFF