Can you eat over 200 oysters in 3 minutes?

Colin Shirlow at the World Oyster Eating Championship (Photo PressEye.Com)

When: 6th September 2014 (the festival takes place from 2nd to 7th September 2014)

Where: Hillsborough, Co Down, Northern Ireland

£: Some events are ticketed

What is it?

The World Oyster Eating Championship will take place on Saturday 6th September 2014 as part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival in Northern Ireland.

The current champion, Colin Shirlow, has held the title since 2005 and holds the Guiness World Record of consuming 233 oysters in three minutes.  It will be a tough challenge to beat Shirlow to the title, but competitors are expected from around the world to give it a try.

The World Oyster Eating Championship takes place on Festival Day in the village at 3pm.  Other events on the day include children’s activities, street performers, storytelling, a gourmet food village, a craft fair, drum lessons, and a stage with live acts.

The World Oyster Eating Championship isn’t the only quirky event of the festival.  On the same day there will be a Wacky Soapbox Derby taking place at The Dark Walk from 11am.  There is a £50 entry fee for teams taking part and the event is hoping to raise money for the festival charity.

Other events taking place as part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival include Supercar Sunday, The Only Way is Hillsborough, a cycle ride, a gala ball and a concert night.

More info: hillsboroughoysterfestival.com