WESTBURY Lions’ famous Donkey Derby will take place this Sunday 11th June at the White Horse Country Park and it’s set to be a great day for all the family.
Organisers are hoping for good weather and lots of people to attend as they continue to add new activities and entertainment to the event.
Family-friendly attractions this year will include fair rides and bouncy castle, mini railway, coconut shy, tote and lots of stalls provided by local charities and businesses. The event will also be visited by members of the MK Garrison, a group who specialise in Star Wars costuming and whom regular visitors may recall supported the event a couple of years ago. There will also be performances from Infinity Dance and music from Bratton Silver Band.
In addition to the fun and games there will be a fully licensed bar and barbecue food for mums and dads, as well as the usual favourites such as sweets and ice-creams for the youngsters.
Children under 14 weighing less than seven and a half stone can fulfil their racing dreams and take part in a race (with their parents’ permission) by simply calling into the jockey tent on the day. Alternatively they can be registered in advance by emailing donkeyderby@westburylions.org.uk. With eight races taking place throughout the afternoon, there will be plenty of opportunities to take part in the action, but the Lions do recommend riders register promptly to avoid disappointment.
Those children less enthused about racing can opt for a more sedate donkey ride between races, and as always, there will be a chance to meet the donkeys in the corral while they enjoy a break.
Westbury Lion, Nigel Coward said, “We will always have the popular stuff, but each year we try to add something new or different to keep it interesting for visitors and this year is no exception.
“Its a great family day out with a focus on a safe and friendly atmosphere and entertainment for all. We have lots of things for families to see and try, and being located in such a picturesque part of the town really does make it worth a visit. And who can resist the donkeys!
“I hope that by now the community knows everything the Lions do is for supporting local causes, and this event gives them a chance to come and be part of it. It’s also great that people don’t have to travel far to have a fun day out, and I think over the last 12 years we have established a good reputation at Westbury Lions for delivering on that expectation.
“The Donkey Derby is one of our major fundraisers of the year, alongside our work with the CliveyFest team and our Christmas float activities. While as a club our focus is always on fundraising, we still want to have fun while we do it, and this event is one of the highlights of the year for us.”
Tickets are £5 per adult, £1 for teens and accompanied children 12 or under entering free. The event will commence at 12pm, with the first race starting at 12.30pm.
