{"id":12047,"date":"2016-07-22T09:49:12","date_gmt":"2016-07-22T08:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/?p=12047"},"modified":"2016-07-22T09:49:12","modified_gmt":"2016-07-22T08:49:12","slug":"phoenix-natural-gas-fuels-hillsborough-international-oyster-festival-soapbox-derby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatsonni.com\/news\/2016\/07\/phoenix-natural-gas-fuels-hillsborough-international-oyster-festival-soapbox-derby\/","title":{"rendered":"Phoenix Natural Gas fuels Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Soapbox Derby"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is gearing-up for the 2016 Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby which will be held on Saturday 3rd<\/sup> September 2016 as part of the Festival\u2019s annual showcase.<\/h1>\n
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Now in its 24th year, Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is one of Northern Ireland\u2019s 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 \u2013 Saturday 3rd September 2016 and visitors can look forward to food and festivities with a packed programme of activities and entertainment. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Don Spence, Chairman of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival organising committee said: \u201cThe 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!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Main Street for a chance to win one of the event\u2019s sought-after prizes.<\/p>\n

Alastair Pollock, Business Development Director from sponsor Phoenix Natural Gas added: \u201cThe Soapbox Derby is one of the most exciting aspects of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival and we\u2019re 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!\u201d<\/p>\n

There will be a number of race categories on Saturday 3rd<\/sup> September with drivers able to enter the following classes:<\/p>\n