Hi folks
As chairman of The Hillsborough Oyster Festival 2009 it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to this truly international event which is now in its 17th year. Hillsborough village plays host once again to a fun filled weekend packed with events and surprises for all ages organised by a committee of volunteers from the local community. This event has managed to put Hillsborough on the map and portrays an inviting and hospitable picture of our community. Through the committee’s efforts many people and local businesses within the community benefit from the many visitors it attracts.

The committee was very proud to have The Hillsborough Oyster Festival  awarded the ‘Most Innovative Marketed Event in N Ireland’ in the recent NITB Awards Ceremony under the stewardship of last year’s chairman Derek Patterson and Action Cancer, the nominated charity benefited from very generous public donations and sponsored events.

This year our chosen Charity is Struggle Against Muscular Dystrophy (S.A.M) a zero cost charity run by volunteers and based in Northern Ireland. The charity will be collecting at each of the organised events and on Hillsborough Main Street during the Soap Box and International Oyster Eating Competition.

This year’s festival theme is Celebrating 400 Years of Lisburn starting with a Fashion Show on Thursday evening, a Masquerade Ball on Friday, Saturday street entertainment, stalls and kids fancy dress. And of course The Soap Box Derby will transform Main Street on Saturday with The World Oyster Eating record challenge bringing the event to a peak. The competition will have a different format between speed eliminators and the big title of ‘World Oyster Eating Champion’ with three finalists appearing on Saturday for the pinnacle of the competition. The Super Dream Car Sunday is a growing event which is sure to raise your blood pressure if you are fortunate to experience it!

I’d like thank all our sponsors for their support and I hope you enjoy this year’s event. Thank you for your continued support.

David Dunlop