Enter the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Soapbox Derby now

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.

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.