If you happen to drive through the picturesque coastal village of Glenarm on the 13th or 14th of July you may find one or two other visitors there too - around forty thousand of them to be exact!

Bruce Aitken - World Light Hammer champion The Clash of the Celtic Giants has quickly grown into one of the biggest crowd pullers of the year, comparable with the North West 200 or even the Balmoral Show. Some 40,000 people arrived in 2004 , transforming the normally sleepy north Antrim village of Glenarm into a thriving bustling town. The Clash of the Celtic Giants started in 1999 as a simple idea to stage a Highland Games competition in Northern Ireland. It began with a phone call between independent TV Producer David Malone of 'Extreme Production' and the tweed-clad Estate Manager of Glenarm Castle, Adrian Morrow. Back in 1999, Mr Morrow’s boss, Lord Antrim, was very keen to bring the World Grand Prix Series Highland Games to Glenarm over the two days in the year when the castle would open its gates to the general public. TV Producer Malone shared in that enthusiasm and so did BBC Northern Ireland Television and, despite the fact that Highland Games were not exactly commonplace in Northern Ireland, The Clash of the Celtic Giants was born. Today it is a must-see event on the summer calendar. Some folks go to see the toughest athletes in the world battle it out in the arena, but for others it's just a fantastic family day out."

Gregor Edmunds - Reigning Champion

It was to be a case of the jolly keen giants at the World Highland Games as Scottish champion, Gregor Edmunds, defended his title from Dutch giant and big crowd favourite Wout Zijlstra, who promised to give Gregor a run for his money in events such as Tossing The Caber and Throwing The Hammer. Wout entertained the spectators with his wonderful grunts and shouts as he did his stuff and he frequently called out "beat that one Gregor!" The quieter Gregor however told the cameras "What Wout needs is a good hiding".

Wout Zijlstra - a big character

It went on to provide an intense and hugely enjoyable spectacle as the battle for 1st place progressed. Gregor Edmunds did manage to retain his title in 2004 but only just, with Bruce Aitken, (pictured above) only half a point behind him!

Trish Porter from Maghera wants to be in top 3

Aneta Florczyk, from Poland, current world No.1

Amongst the many female athletes featuring in Europe’s Strongest Woman was Northern Ireland’s Trish Porter, from Maghera, Trish has been the UK’s strongest woman twice, in 2002 and 2003. Originally from Wexford, Trish is married to her trainer, Philip, and has three children. When not pumping iron and pulling trucks, she works as a restaurant manageress and door supervisor. Trish’s ambition is to be one of the three strongest women in the world.

In pursuit of that goal Trish clashed with the World’s Strongest Woman, Aneta Florczyk, from Poland. Aneta, who came fourth in the 2003 event, had her sights firmly set on winning this year’s title, which she did.

The Pole Push was a new women's game in 2004 and proved very popular with the crowds and athletes alike. Here, from left to right, we see strongwoman Ielja Strik from Holland try to push equally powerful Heini Koivuniemi of Finland out of the white circle. The Fin eventually toppled Ielja.

Presenter Christine Bleakley and cameraman Mick O'Rourke interviewing lady Athlete Jo Cutts of England.

In 2004 as always before, BBC NI TV brought full coverage of the two-day event, as well as providing profiles on each of the contestants. The programmes were presented by Christine Bleakley and Stephen Watson

Christine Bleakley said: “This was my third year of presenting the show and every year it just gets better. It’s a really good family day out. " It’s a huge spectacle, particularly the women’s events, when they lift cars and mighty trucks. The pure strength of those women never fails to amaze me, it’s such a human feat. And, of course, the kids love it.”

Stephen Watson said: I'm really delighted to have returned to Glenarm for the Clash of the Celtic Giants. It’s a fantastic event. I thoroughly enjoy commentating on the games, which are full of fantastic characters and the welcome we receive in the Glens is second to none."

As well as boasting both the World Highland Games and Europe’s Strongest Woman events, the two-day event also features helicopter rides, motorcross teams, the Ulster Folk Orchestra, silver bands and pipe bands, a sheep shearing competition, falconry displays, a children’s funfair, arts and crafts and a food hall.

But, above all else, it’s the show of strength of the contestants that makes the muscle-bound Clash Of The Celtic Giants such powerful viewing.

Watch - The Car-Lift (Women)

Watch - The Pole Push (Women)

Watch - The Weight for Distance Throw (Men)

Watch - The Light Hammer Throw (Men)

Clash of the Celtic Giants is an Extreme Production for the BBC