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Wake the Giant Festival 2024: A Spectacular Weekend in Warrenpoint

Warrenpoint is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year—Wake the Giant Festival 2024! This year’s festival, scheduled for Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August, promises to be a weekend filled with excitement, creativity, and community spirit as the town transforms into the ‘Land of Giants.’

Meet the Giants

The legendary giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill returns to Warrenpoint, but this year he’s not alone. Joining him are two enchanting new giants, ‘Wee Binnian’ and ‘Carley,’ who are eager to explore their new surroundings. These marvellous giants will be participating in various activities throughout the weekend, offering festivalgoers a unique opportunity to interact with them up close.

Giant Parades

One of the highlights of the festival will be the Giant Parades. Fionn Mac Cumhaill will lead the parade through the streets of Warrenpoint, creating a magical atmosphere as the giants make their grand appearance. Don’t miss the chance to capture unforgettable moments during these parades:

  • Saturday 17th August at 1pm
  • Sunday 18th August at 4pm

Itinerary of Events

The Wake the Giant Festival is packed with activities and events that cater to all ages. You can see all the festival events on our Wake The Giant Events Page, but here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

Saturday, 17th August

  • 10am – 4:30pm: Sensory Chill Out Room at Warrenpoint Town Hall.
  • 10am – 9pm: Giant Funfair at Osborne Terrace.
  • 10:30am – 4:30pm: Giant Street Art at Osborne Terrace.
  • 10:30am – 5pm: Artisan Alley & Curious Minds at Princes Street.
  • 10:30am – 7pm: The Land of Giants at Warrenpoint Municipal Park.
  • 1pm: The Giants Parade (Church Street, Queen Street, Seaview, Osborne Terrace).
  • 3pm – 4pm: Beach Clean at Warrenpoint Beach.

Sunday, 18th August

  • 10am – 4:30pm: Sensory Chill Out Room at Warrenpoint Town Hall.
  • 10am – 9pm: Giant Funfair at Osborne Terrace.
  • 10:30am – 4:30pm: Giant Street Art at Osborne Terrace.
  • 10:30am – 5pm: Artisan Alley & Curious Minds at Princes Street.
  • 10:30am – 7pm: The Land of Giants at Warrenpoint Municipal Park.
  • 11am: Roots for the Future: Tree Planting Ceremony at Clonallon Park.
  • 12:30pm – 1:15pm: A Giants Dander at Church Street.
  • 3:30pm – 4pm: The Gathering to Wake the Giant at Osborne Terrace.
  • 4pm – 4:30pm: The Giants Leaving Parade at Osborne Terrace, Seaview, Queen Street, Church Street.

Live Music and Entertainment

The festival will also feature live performances at the Bandstand in Warrenpoint Municipal Park. Attendees can enjoy a variety of musical acts throughout the weekend, including:

Saturday, 17th August

  • 11am – 11:45am: Niamh Noade, The Girl with the Harp.
  • 12noon – 12:45pm: Casino Dixieland Jazz Band.
  • 2pm – 3pm: Stonewall Music.
  • 3:20pm – 4:20pm: The New Leaves.
  • 4:45pm – 6pm: No Oil Paintings (with a giant appearance).

Sunday, 18th August

  • 11:45am – 12:15pm: Sophie Lennon.
  • 12:30pm – 1:45pm: Yew Tree Ukes.
  • 2:15pm – 3:30pm: NI Soul Troop (with a giant appearance).
  • 3:50pm – 4:30pm: The Uplifted Choir.
  • 4:45pm – 6:30pm: The Vibes.

Artisan Alley and Curious Minds

Located on Princes Street, Artisan Alley will be a hub of creativity and sustainability. Featuring over 20 traders, this marketplace will showcase local arts and crafts, with artisans demonstrating their skills and offering handmade goods. In addition to arts and crafts, Artisan Alley will also host environmental education and awareness stands from various organisations, including Ulster Wildlife and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Family Fun and Activities

Families are at the heart of Wake the Giant Festival. In addition to the parades and live entertainment, there will be a range of activities to keep everyone entertained:

  • Giant Funfair: A funfair with rides and attractions for all ages at Osborne Terrace.
  • Giant Street Art: A new piece of giant artwork on the facade of the former Osborne Hotel.
  • Bemusement Arcade: A collection of traditional games made from native Irish timbers, located in Warrenpoint Municipal Park.
  • Green Crafts Workshops: Eco-friendly crafting sessions at Warrenpoint Municipal Park, offering hands-on experience in sustainable art.

Festival Food Village and Giant Food Trail

No festival is complete without delicious food, and Wake the Giant Festival has you covered. The Festival Food Village in Warrenpoint Municipal Park will feature a wide array of food vendors offering everything from giant breakfasts to vegan delights. Additionally, the Giant Food Trail will take you on a culinary journey through the town, with local eateries offering special giant-themed dishes.

Don’t Miss Out!

Wake the Giant Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable weekend of fun, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re there to meet the giants, enjoy the live music, or explore the artisan crafts, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars for 17th and 18th August and get ready to experience the magic of the giants in Warrenpoint!

For more details and to book workshops, visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk.