You could be forgiven for thinking that Portrush was in the midst of a remake of the film “The Italian Job” this weekend as hundreds of Minis are destined for the ‘ports on Sunday for the annual Causeway Coast Mini Event.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary the Causeway Coast Mini Club have added several new features including a draw that is hoped will raise considerable funds for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and the Paddy Hopkirk Children’s Charity Trust.

The organisers are quick to thank their sponsors Morellis Ices, J.K.C. Minis and Minisport and Club Chairman Andy Shaw enthused “their help is staging this has been nothing short of brilliant and I really don’t know what we’d do without them”.  The local Council are equally supportive and have even engaged Dynamic Audio Visual to supply a concert sound system.  Brian Moore has also been brought on board this year as Compere and says he “can’t wait as it’s always such a great day”.  The Mini Enthusiasts come in their hundreds from all over the island and beyond and it all starts with a fun run from Bushmills Distillery Car Park to Portstewart on Saturday night.

Then on Sunday they congregate on Dunluce Green from 10.00am where the day will feature stalls, stands and music.  The show features over seventeen classes of cars both classic and new-style minis and JKC Mini supply awards with a 1st and runner up in each one.  The Minis will depart the site in their usual style at 4.00pm and follow a route through the town with the classic minis actually crossing the bridge at Portrush Harbour before making their way along Main Street.  Morellis Ices generously take care of the “pit stop” in Station Square with a free Morellis Ice Cream for every occupant of each mini!

Attendance at the event is absolutely free and this year there’s a chance to win a £500 Sealey Tool Chest supplied by Minisport, £100 worth of shopping Tesco Shopping Vouchers donated by Morellis Ices and a voucher for Dinner for Two at The Anchor Complex.