The Force Awakens in Dunmanway: Star Wars Festival Returns for Epic Second Year

Lightsabres at the ready! Dunmanway is set to transform into a galaxy far, far away as the award-winning Feel the Force festival returns for its second year during the June Bank Holiday weekend.

This spectacular two-day celebration, running Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June, promises to bring together Star Wars enthusiasts, superhero fans and villainous characters for an unforgettable cosmic adventure in the heart of West Cork.

The event will be officially opened by Malaysian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Wan Aznainizam Yusri Wan Abdul Rashid, setting the stage for a weekend packed with intergalactic entertainment.

Festival-goers can look forward to an impressive array of exhibitions and vendors across two venues, St. Patrick's Hall and Dunmanway Sports Hall. One particular highlight is sure to be the specially crafted Sith Throne, created by organiser Newry Bakry after months of painstaking work. Visitors will have the opportunity to capture royal galactic photos throughout the weekend.

Bakry's personal collection of Star Wars, DC, Marvel and Transformers figures and dioramas will be on display alongside an extensive selection of helmets from various beloved franchises.

The Force is truly international this year, with members of Spain's Los Frikis de la Galaxia Cosplayers travelling to Ireland specifically for the event. They'll be joined by local talent including Dunmanway's West Cork Tuskens and Reel Icons, Ireland's Premier Costuming Community Club.

"We are really looking forward to the Star Wars themed festival returning to Dunmanway for a second year," said Catherine Crowley, Feel the Force co-ordinator. "There's great excitement in the town where the schools, community and businesses get heavily involved. The schools are busy creating arts and crafts to decorate the shops and business windows. Last year, one restaurant changed their name over the door and menu to reflect Star Wars so we have a lot to look forward to."

The programme features something for everyone, including African drumming workshops, Le Chéile Art Workshop, and "Feed the Force" Malaysian themed street food. Josephine McSweeney from the organising committee revealed they've arranged "a comic character trail, demos, street entertainment, children's activities and musical entertainment."

Cosplay enthusiasts will have their moment to shine with a best cosplayer competition running both days. The festival culminates on Sunday with a street parade where professional cosplayers will be joined by anyone wishing to dress as their favourite character, superhero or villain.

"We encourage everyone to dress up, decorate your bike or go-cart and join in," added McSweeney.

The festival's stellar reputation was cemented last year when it won the award for Best West Cork Festival at the Southern Star West Cork Business and Tourism Awards 2024.

For those looking to channel their inner Jedi or superhero alter-ego, additional information can be found at Feeltheforce.ie.