Irvinestown truck festival is rolling back into town

The 16th annual Irvinestown Truck Festival, part of the Lady of the Lake Festival, is being staged in July; it’s in aid local Marie Curie Nurses and to date has raised in excess of £625,000.

This year’s event, again sponsored by Stena Freight and DFDS Logistics – Export & Freight is the media partner – starts on Friday July 22nd with a late night Festival of Lights. On Saturday 23rd July, drivers can register from 12 noon, and start to park up at the lorry park in Irvinestown, and then spend the afternoon enjoying the craic in the lorry park with Big T from Downtown. Activities include a hole digging competition and clay pigeon shooting.

[premium_content level=2]As night falls, it is time to hit the Delaney suite at Mahon’s Hotel to dance the night away to the country sounds of Hugo Duncan and Guests, until the wee small hours. On Sunday 24th July, following the presentations of prizes, a final clean and polish, all the engines reeve up for take-off at 2.00pm, for the new shorter route.

Organiser George Gordon said: “I look forward to this event each year, and meeting up with lorry enthusiastics who join us annually, along with those who come along for the first time. This event has something for everyone who loves trucks. Come and see for yourself and help us raise much needed funds for our local Marie Curie Nurses in Northern Ireland.

“As a local haulier I know the challenges we all face in day to day business. However when someone is terminally ill and being cared for in their final days, by a Marie Curie Nurse in their own home, they do not have the luxury of time. They need immediate care.”

Sheena Havlin, Marie Curie Fundraiser, added:
“This event continues to grow thanks to the year round hard work of all involved. This event to date has raised money to pay for 31,250 hours of care locally. We are delighted to welcome back our key sponsors DFDS logistics and Stena Line Freight.”

“We extend our thanks to George Deane for the on-going use of the site, and media partner Export and Freight, who are instrumental in promoting the event every year.”

“If you have ever thought about coming to this event and never got around to doing it, this is the year to sign up and come along. You do not have to be a lorry driver to enjoy all that is on offer. Come and join in the fun and help us raise much needed funds to continue to provide this vital service.”

“The funds raised from the event will ensure Marie Curie can provide care and support through terminal illness. Marie Curie Nurses work throughout Northern Ireland, providing care 365 days of the year.”

MORE INFO: You can contact Marie Curie directly for a registration form and sponsor pack on 028 8224 9888 or email [email protected]. Registration is £40 including automatic entry to the truck competition. If your company is interested in having a trade stall at the event, or placing an advert in the programme, please contact George Gordon on 07836 695833. To view some of the highlights of previous events, please visit the website, www.irvinestowntruckfestival.co.uk or follow face book www.facebook.com/irvinestowntruckfestival[/premium_content]