CORK, IRELAND.- The National Lottery Awakening Ceremony and Fireworks, is set to not only awaken the people of Cork but will awaken interest around the world as Cork 2005 officially begins. Devised by street theatre company, Waterford Spraoi, with a team of event experts, Awakening will bring to life a huge serpent stretching over 600 metres of the River Lee. As it rises up from the water, the serpent will span three city centre bridges in an explosion of light and fire with water effects, pyrotechnics, music, image projection and physical theatre. The amazing visual display will be the most daring of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland. RTÉ will broadcast the event live in one of the largest and most complex outside broadcasts ever undertaken in Ireland.

Capital Of Culture - On May 28th 2002, Cork received notice of its official designation as European Capital of Culture 2005 from Kerstin Niblaeus, Director General of the EU Cultural Unit. This designation, which raises Cork into the distinguished company of major cultural cities like Salamanca and Bologna, followed on the brilliant bid campaign by Cork City Council.

The core team of Cork 2005 believes that this year in Cork will be a window of opportunity for all of its citizens. Already, new cultural networks are opening up for Cork; embassies and diplomatic missions as well as international cultural practitioners have begun to call and offer their support and enthusiasm.