Wake the Giant Festival Promises Unforgettable Weekend

Strategic Insights -

The 2023 Wake the Giant festival promises to be an electrifying experience, combining awe-inspiring giant parades, captivating storytelling, live music, and hands-on activities set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. The event, taking place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, will feature Fionn, accompanied by Wee Binnian and Carley, and for the first time, "The Clans," in the spectacular Giant Parades. The festivities will also include a tree planting ceremony, a sensory hub, and community beach clean, reflecting the event's commitment to sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wake the Giant festival will take place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, featuring Fionn, Wee Binnian, Carley, and "The Clans" in the Giant Parades.
  • The event will begin at 1pm on Saturday, with the parade starting at Church Street and making its way along Queen Street onto Seaview, finishing at Osborne Terrace (Giant's Plaza).
  • The trio of giants and "The Clans" will reunite for "The Gathering" at 3.30pm on Sunday in Osborne Terrace (Giant's Plaza) to awaken Fionn from his slumber.
  • The festival will include a variety of activities, such as family garden games, green crafts, a Living History village, Curious Minds, and a vibrant food village.
  • Live music will be hosted by Rozlyn Sheridan, with an exciting line-up across both days, featuring Matt McGinn, Ria Maguire, Brian Kennedy, Mariachi San Patricio, and Reevah, among others.
  • The festival highlights include the Giant Street Performance, the Casino Jazz Band, Sunday's Family Disco, a special BFG screening, and the grand Waking the Giant finale and parade.
  • The event will showcase delicious local food at the park's Food Village, the town's Giant Food Trail, or the Savour & Sip tasting tour.
  • The Sensory Hub at Warrenpoint Town Hall will offer a calm, accessible space with quiet hours from 10am-12.30pm daily.

Statistics:

  • The festival will take place over two days, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June.
  • The Giant Parades will begin at 1pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
  • The festival will include over 20 live music performances across both days.
  • The event will feature over 20 food vendors, showcasing local cuisine and sustainable options.
  • The Sensory Hub will offer quiet hours from 10am-12.30pm daily, providing a calm and accessible space for festival-goers.

Sources:

  • Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, quoted in the article.
  • Visit Mourne Mountains website, accessed at: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/wake-the-giant
  • Image store.jpimedia.uk, accessed at: https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjA0NTg3ODJmLWM3MjctNDYxMi1hYTI0LWFiYjdjNDQwNzZiMDozYzM2ZjI2YS05OTIwLTRkMzItYmQ1Ni0wYmM3YTFkMDc4Yzc=.jpg and https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjk1MGU2YzA0LTYwODMtNDFiNS1iNWU2LWViNzkxYTA5OGUwNToxMTZjNjdkYi1lMzNjLTQ1ZTMtOWIwZC04ZmI0NDY1OWQ2YWM=.jpg