Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Wake the Giant

1. What are the dates and times of the Wake the Giant Festival?

The Wake the Giant Festival takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 2025. Saturday's Giant Parade starts from 1pm and Sunday's Giant Parade starts from 4pm.

The festival programme with all the details of the parade routes and times, entertainment line-up and family activities is available here. 

2. Where is the Wake the Giant Festival located?

The Wake the Giant Festival is location in Warrenpoint, Co. Down.

Warrenpoint is just 45 minutes’ drive from Belfast and a little over an hour from Dublin, offering easy access to the town.

Situated on Carlingford Lough, whatever way you travel, more information on getting to the event is available here. 

3. Is there a cost to attend the Wake the Giant Festival?

The Wake the Giant Festival is free to attend. There is a small fee for some of the Green Craft Workshops and Sensory Play Experiences. Tickets can be purchased from here. 

You can download the full programme of activities here.

4. What types of activities will be available for children at Wake the Giant?

Wake the Giant is a family-friendly festival with a range of activities available for families with children of all ages to enjoy.

There are several activities on offer across the festival weekend for younger visitors including, the giant parades, garden games, crafts, funfair rides and sensory activities.

5. Are there any age restrictions for the activities at the Wake the Giant Festival?

There are no age restrictions for the activities at the Wake the Giant Festival but there is age guidance on some. 

6. Will food and drink be available to purchase at Wake the Giant?

At Wake the Giant there will be a Festival Food Village located at Warrenpoint Municipal Park showcasing a range of local food producers and vendors.

Warrenpoint town also has a great selection of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs.

Check out the Food Trail listed on the programme where you can get your hands on some delicious Giant Specials over the weekend.

A new addition for 2025, Savour & Sip Warrenpoint | Food and Drink Tour, will take visitors on a guided taste journey celebrating the best of local and artisan produce.

Click on the links to download the programme and a map of the festival site. 

7. Can we bring our own food and drinks to the Wake the Giant Festival?

Warrenpoint has a number of picnic benches throughout the town and dotted around Warrenpoint Municipal Park for you to enjoy a picnic.

There will also be a wide selection of food vendors available in the park and a range of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets available in the town. 

8. Will there be live entertainment at the Wake the Giant Festival? If so, what kind and when?

Live entertainment will take place throughout the Wake the Giant Festival weekend at the bandstand in Warrenpoint Municipal Park.

Find out more about the acts performing here.

9. What are the parking options available at the Wake the Giant Festival?

Street parking is available in Warrenpoint. Details of charged and non-charged car parking can be found here. 

 - Accessible Parking at Wake the Giant
Disabled parking is available for blue badge holders at the following locations in Warrenpoint:

Mary Street (0.2 miles (5-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park).

Havelock Place (0.2 miles (5-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park).

The Square (0.3 miles (6-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park).

Kings Lane (0.3 miles (6-minute walk) to Warrenpoint Municipal Park).

10. What is the closest bus or train stationt to Warrenpoint for the Wake the Giant Festival?

Newry Train and Bus Stations are within easy reach of Warrenpoint. The bus stations in Downpatrick and Newcastle all with direct routes from the Europa Bus Station in Belfast, making travelling in and around here all that easier.

If you’re travelling from Dublin, it couldn’t be easier with regular train and bus routes operating daily to Newry City and then take a connection to Warrenpoint. 

For more information on Translink timetables and fares please visit www.translink.co.uk (opens in new window) or call the Translink Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630.

More information on getting to and also around the area is available here. 

11. Is the Wake the Giant Festival accessible?

We welcome everyone to Wake the Giant. We’re delighted to have you join us and are committed to ensuring an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please refer to our Access Guide for more information.

12. Is there accommodation nearby for Wake the Giant?

There is a range of accommodation options available from family friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering and caravan parks.

More information on a range of accommodation options can be found here.

13. Are pets allowed at the Wake the Giant Festival?

Dogs are permitted, but we ask that they always remain on a lead.

14. What happens in case of inclement weather?

The safety and enjoyment of our festival attendees, staff, and performers are our top priorities. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or severe storms, we may temporarily suspend activities or, if necessary, evacuate the area to ensure everyone's safety.

We closely monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the event and will communicate any changes through our official website, social media channels, and on-site announcements. Please check these platforms regularly for updates. In cases where the weather leads to a cancellation on one of the festival days, we will provide updates through our official website www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/wakethegiant and social media channels @visitmourne.

15. What security measures are in place at the Wake the Giant Festival?

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all festival attendees. Our comprehensive security plan includes:

• Security personnel will be stationed throughout the festival grounds to help and respond to any security concerns or emergencies.

• Emergency medical staff and facilities are available on-site to handle any health-related incidents. Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.

16. Is there a lost and found at the Wake the Giant Festival?

In case you lose personal belongings or find lost items during the Wake the Giant Festival, head to our designated Lost and Found area for assistance. The Lost and Found area will be located in the Pavilion in Warrenpoint Municipal Park.

17. Will there be toilets and changing places onsite at the Wake the Giant Festival?

Public toilets are located at Warrenpoint Municipal Park and Warrenpoint Square.

There is a changing places facility located on Great Georges Street (South) (Warrenpoint, BT34 3NF). View our handy map here. 

18. Who can I contact for more information or in case of an emergency during the Wake the Giant Festival?

Email: visitorservices@nmandd.org

Telephone: +44 (0) 33 0137 4046

19. What is your sustainability policy?

Wake the Giant is designed to showcase the unique assets within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. It is designed and delivered under the Geopark Code of Practice for sustainable tourism that promotes the safeguarding and respectful engagement with local communities.

We’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too! Visit our ‘Curious Minds’ area located in Warrenpoint Municipal Park where you will find lots of useful information. More information can be found here. 

20. Is there an official Wake the Giant Festival website for updates and information?

For more information on the festival, go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/wakethegiant

Follow us on @visitmourne Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for updates and sign up to our newsletter here.