Thousands Attend Wake The Giant Festival

Thousands gathered in Warrenpoint, County Down on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 August to watch Fionn mac Cumhaill, the centrepiece of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Wake the Giant Festival, return to the town in spectacular fashion.

The imposing giant Fionn, designed by world famous artist and sculptor Francis Morgan, wowed crowds as he rode into Warrenpoint on top of an equally gigantic motorcycle.

Entertaining the crowds across the two days’ festivities, Fionn led a procession through the town before retelling the area’s myths and legends keeping local folklore alive and leaving visitors wanting to come back for more.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “Crowds were treated to two days of spectacular fun at The Land of Giants which featured Giant family activities, the Giant’s Feast Food Village, a Giant Games Zone and a Giant Craft Village.”

Cllr Savage continued, “Some of the incredible music from Catherine McGrath, Luka Bloom and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy got people up on their feet singing along and dancing to the beats at the beautiful bandstand in the Municipal park.

Giant sculptures extended out from buildings animating the town much to the amazement of the assembled crowds. Local businesses added to the event’s resounding success, joining in on the weekend’s fun with incredible offers to treat the many visitors that came to town.

Fionn's sustainable messaging and lasting legacy will be felt for years with his tree planting ceremony at The Giants Forest in Clonallon Park.”