Giant Weekend of Family Fun Planned for Wake the Giant in Warrenpoint

It’s only a matter of days before Fionn Mac Cumhaill returns to oversee festivities at the Wake the Giant Festival in Warrenpoint this year with the theme, ‘The Land of Giants'.

Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, this year’s festival promises even more excitement with the arrival of two new Giant Guardians, Wee Binnian and Carley who will make their grand debut in The Giants Parade.

Festival goers can meet and follow Fionn, Wee Binnian and Carley as they lead The Giant Parade through Warrenpoint town. Starting at 1pm on Church Street, the procession will continue to Queen Street before turning right at Seaview and then weaving its way to Osborne Terrace. Our three magnificent giants will create awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable photo opportunities before reaching the sleepy giant Fionn’s resting place for the weekend on Warrenpoint Pier.

Our mischievous newcomers, Wee Binnian and Carley, will make several pop-up visits to keep crowds entertained during the festival weekend.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “This brilliantly curated event is the perfect way for families to spend their summer holidays in Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion. 

“It offers everything from giants, stories, theatre and musical performances to lots of family activities and delicious food. It will be a gigantic feast for the senses, so pick your spot along the procession route or find a pitch in front of the bandstand and soak up all the wonderful things this festival has to offer.

“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is especially proud this year, that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark.

“Complementing our Giant Adventure series this year will be the return of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”

During the festival weekend Warrenpoint Municipal Park will be transformed into ‘The Land of Giants’, featuring Family Garden Games, Green Crafts Workshops, a Bemusement Arcade, and a Food Village. While at Warrenpoint Municipal Park, don’t miss the fantastic line up of musicians billed across the two days performing on the Park’s bandstand stage.

On Saturday, Niamh Noade kicks off the musical line-up at 11am. The Casino Dixieland Jazz Band follow bringing their signature popular jazz style followed by Stonewall Music and The New Leaves in the afternoon. Wrapping up the live music sessions for the day will be, No Oil Paintings with their alternative-folk band sounds.

Kicking off the lineup on Sunday at 11.45am will be Mayobridge native Sophie Lennon, known for her appearances on America’s Got Talent, representing Ireland in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and winning the BBC School Soloist of the Year Award in 2022. Next on stage, Yew Tree Ukes followed by NI Soul Troop. Sunday’s set continues with the Uplifted Choir before The Vibes take to the stage at 4.45pm with their signature soulful reggae band style.

At 4pm our Trio of Giants start their exit from the town for another year leading a final procession around the town. ‘The Giants Leaving Parade’ starts on Osborne Street before turning left onto Seaview. Continuing to Queen Street and finally on to Church Street before our spectacular giants bid farewell.

During the festival weekend we are thrilled to offer a diverse food experience, perfect for food enthusiasts of all tastes and preferences. Explore the Food Village in Warrenpoint Municipal Park and join the unique Food Trail through the town, featuring giant food offerings all weekend long. The Giant Funfair on Warrenpoint Promenade will entertain with thrilling rides and classic carnival games for all to enjoy.

Families and visitors can also enjoy a new Sensory Hub located in Warrenpoint Town Hall which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children and adults to enjoy over the weekend, with changing places located nearby on Great Georges Street (South).

Don't miss this chance to watch the facade of the former Osborne Hotel be transformed into a vibrant canvas as nature street artist ‘Faunagraphic’ creates a Giant Art Mural depicting the unique aspects of Mourne Gullion and Strangford Global Geopark.

With so much on offer throughout the weekend, visitors are encouraged to make a break of it and explore more of what the destination has to offer. For the full festival line-up and further information on where to stay, eat, and for even more things to do during a stay here in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, please visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/wakethegiant