The World Oyster Eating Championship (Photo PressEye.Com)
When: 30th August – 3rd September 2016
Where: Hillsborough, Co. Down
£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the event. Tickets for the Soapbox Derby and Oyster Eating Championship cost £5 (children under 14 years go free)
What is it?
Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is an annual festival in Northern Ireland with a range of events from a pop up restaurant and an Oyster Ball, to soapbox racing and oyster eating contests.
This year the festival will kick off with an Oyster Masters Golf Day at Lisburn Golf Club on the Tuesday. The Wednesday will feature a musical evening in the festival marquee. A restaurant will pop up in the marquee on the Thursday, and an Oyster Ball will take place on the Friday.
The highlights of this year’s International Oyster Festival will be the Soapbox Derby and the World Oyster Eating Championship, both held on Saturday 3rd September. The day’s entertainment begins at 12pm, with the Soapbox Derby beginning at 1pm on Main Street.
The World Oyster Eating Championship will take place on the Gig Rig. Undefeated champion Colin Shirlow will once again be defending his title. The Dromore man faces added pressure this year as he takes on the challenge for the eleventh time, and attempts to beat the Guinness World Record, which he set in 2015 by eating 235 oysters in three minutes.
The Saturday will see a whole village-full of family fun and entertainment including the Oyster Fun Fair, a Gourmet Food Market, and the British Street Food Awards.
It is predicted that around 6,000 oysters will be consumed during the course of the festival, from Dundrum bay in Northern Ireland, where sheltered waters make the perfect environment for oysters and molluscs.
More info: www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com