The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is calling for individuals and youth groups from the South Down area to enter the 2016 Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby which will be held on Saturday 3rd September 2016 as part of the Festival’s annual showcase.
Sponsored this year by Phoenix Natural Gas, the Soapbox Derby is a highlight of the Festival with community and youth groups from all across Northern Ireland entering the race each year.
The competition is calling for entries from racers of all ages and backgrounds who are keen to design and race their own soapbox at the event for a chance to win a variety of cash prizes as well as a surprise prize from Toyota which be unveiled in the weeks leading up to the race!
Don Spence, Chairman of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival organising committee, said: “The Soapbox Derby is always a highlight of the Festival; it really encourages team spirit amongst entrants and promotes community interaction. We are very grateful to Phoenix Natural Gas for coming on-board to support this long-standing Festival favourite and look forward to working together to make this year bigger and better!”
The competition is now open for entries to all community groups, youth clubs and children accompanied by an adult. Teams are being invited to design and construct their own soapbox before racing it down Hillsborough’s Main Street for a chance to win one of the event’s sought-after prizes.
Don Spence, Hillsborough International Oyster Festival joins Alistair Pollock, Phoenix Natural Gas, to launch the 2016 Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby.
Alastair Pollock, Business Development Director from sponsor Phoenix Natural Gas added: “The Soapbox Derby is one of the most exciting aspects of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival and we’re delighted to be helping to put the wheels in motion. The competing teams are very imaginative and are always thinking outside the (soap) box with their designs!”
There will be a number of race categories on Saturday 3rd September with drivers able to enter the following classes:
• Junior Race – open to drivers aged 12-17 years old.*
• Senior Race – open to drivers 18 years old, and over.
• Best Warm up performance.
• Best Overall Team.
Runners-up from the Junior and Senior Races will also receive cash prizes and their marks will be based on finishing times. The Best Overall Team will speed home with £500 and the special Toyota prize will be awarded to the group that demonstrates an exemplary spirit of comradery.
Entries will incur a fee of £40 (Junior) and £60 (Senior) and the deadline to enter is Monday 19th August 2016. Full competition entry details and terms and conditions can be found at www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com. Completed entry forms should be sent to: Stephen Patterson, C/o ER Wilson’s Grocers, 1 Main Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE.
The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival programme runs from Tuesday 30th August – Saturday 3rd September 2016 and is proudly supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Quilter Cheviot, Phoenix Natural Gas and Tourism Northern Ireland.
For further information on all events taking place and to book tickets visit:
www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com
***
About Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
Now in its 24th year, Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is one of Northern Ireland’s premier events, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the world. Set in the historic, picturesque Georgian village of Hillsborough, Co. Down the event takes place from Tuesday 30th August – Saturday 3rd September 2016 and visitors can look forward to food and festivities with a packed programme of activities and entertainment.
Event Schedule – Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2016, supported by platinum sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot
* Tuesday 30th August, 12 noon at Lisburn Golf Club
The GMcG Chartered Accountants Oyster Masters Golf Day
Reception and brunch from 12 noon, followed by shotgun start at 1pm
* Wednesday 31st August, 7pm in the Festival Grand Marquee
Magic of the Movies – Musical Evening in association with Lockton
* Thursday 1st September, 7pm in the Festival Grand Marquee
Smeg Pop-up Restaurant – featuring the best of eating from the village and beyond.
Supported by Smeg, The Mourne Seafood Bar, and The Plough Inn.
* Friday 2nd September, from 6.30pm in the Festival Grand Marquee
Quilter Cheviot Pearl and Oyster Ball
* Saturday 3rd September (Day), 1pm
The Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship and Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby plus a whole village-full of family fun and entertainment including The Hillsborough Gourmet Food Market and Oyster Fun Fair.
* Saturday 3rd September (Night), from 7.30pm in the Festival Grand Marquee
The Flash Harry and Friends Live Concert & BBQ, supported by New City Cabs
For further details on the event and to book tickets please visit:
