Westbury Lions Club are holding their 12th Annual Donkey Derby on Sunday 11th June at the White Horse Country Park, and are once again hoping for good weather and high attendance 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.
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 old 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.
“We are always grateful to our local sponsors for their support, especially Polar Truck and Van who are the event’s main sponsor this year,” says Lion President, Phil Harris. “Once more we are at the White Horse Country Park and we thank Derek Hulin and Shaun May for their support in generously allowing us to use this wonderful venue.
“We have been very well supported over the years with this event, and it is always a pleasure to see everybody turning up and having so much fun on the day. All the monies raised from the Donkey Derby are carefully distributed to charities and people in Westbury and the surrounding villages. Anyone who needs our help or support can get in touch with our welfare committee through our website or Facebook page.”
Tickets are £5 per adult, £1 for teens and accompanied children 12 or under entering free. The event will commence at 12.00pm, with the first race starting at 12.30pm.
