Star Wars fever is descending on Malin Head today as the inaugural ‘May The Fourth Be With You’ festival gets underway tonight.
The event – funded by Failte Ireland and organised by Explore Inishowen CLG – will celebrate the filming of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, in the peninsula.
Marketing officer with Explore Inishowen CLG, Jack Murray, said the event is already proving extremely popular as there’s a wide range of activities for young and old to enjoy.
Commenting on the programme, Mr Murray said: “We are extremely excited that our festival is now getting underway. The first event, a Star Wars quiz in Farren’s Bar, Malin Head, is on at 7pm tonight. It promises to be a bit of craic with plenty of surprises in store!
“Throughout the weekend we will also have plenty more to enjoy with the highlight being our drive-in film showings in Malin Town. On Saturday night, the film will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display set to a filmed playing Star Wars theme music. That will be open for everyone to view.
“There will also be Ahch-To Way tours in Malin Head so fans can immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe and hear the story of how the filming took place.
“Visitors can also go kayaking along our dramatic shoreline with Inish Adventures while Swilly Tours will run boat trips from Buncrana pier.
“On Saturday, participants can start our Selfie Hunt in any of three locations in the peninsula – Inishowen Tourist Office in Buncrana, Foyle Hotel in Moville and Malin Head Community Centre.”
He continued: “There they’ll be given a list of ‘targets’ to get selfies with. These could be Star Wars characters, local personalities or well-known landmarks.
“We’ll also have a Star Wars character fun run in Tullagh, Clonmany, blaster tag in Malin Head and a Jedi Cadet Academy for young kids and much, much more.
“Anyone who wants to find out more information should visit www.maythefourthbewithyoufestival.com or check Star Wars Festival, Malin Head on Facebook.”
