Are you geared up for the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Soapbox Derby?

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.

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.

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.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival programme runs from Tuesday 30th August – Sunday 4th 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.