Council Gears up for Race Week Festival

The festival will support the Vauxhall International 2014 North West 200, providing residents and visitors with an exciting week of activities.

Events have been designed for all ages and will be located throughout Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

The Festival begins on Saturday 10th May with round two of the all Ireland mini motorcycle championships located at East Stand, Portrush from 10am until 5pm. An array of small machines will compete around the designated circuit driven by riders from all over Ireland, aged from as young as 5 years up to 60 years old.

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding stated, “There are some very exciting events planned for the 2014 NW200 Race Week Festival, from family stunt shows to concerts and spectacular fireworks.

“One of the main attractions of the week will be the Family Motor Fest.

“This will be a free event located at the new venue in East Strand, Portrush on Wednesday 14th May from 6.30pm until 8.00pm.

“It promises to delight all motor fans and will feature, ‘The Ardenaline Tour’ with high ramp freestyle motocross stunts and quads.

“Council proudly sponsors the Festival, which helps to deliver such high profile tourism and economic development opportunity for the Borough and look forward to the great line-up of events.”

As part of this amazing programme, Mattie Griffen, Irelands top stunt rider makes a welcome return to the Borough, while the Stannage Stuntshow will feature a number of flaming high dive acts and other motorized stunts.

On Wednesday evening country comes to Portrush when country singing star Nathan Carter will headline the Vauxhall International NW200 Concert, at the Ramore Recreation Grounds.

This live outdoor concert will start at 8pm hosting special guests, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Jordan O’Keefe, the one man hurricane Fiddler Adam, Wayne Rodgers and the Victoria Lagan Line Dancers. More guests will be announced nearer the date.

Race organisers have also confirmed the return of the Hospitality Marquee from Sunday 11th until Saturday 17th May hosting live bands, the Miss North West 200 Contest and the NW200 Chat Show while remaining open for guests to enjoy throughout the week.

On Friday 16th May the ‘Meet the Riders’, event returns to Coleraine Town Centre from 1pm until 3pm.

The event offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the top riders competing in this year’s event to request an autograph, a photograph and the odd selfie!

Later that evening, the annual free live concert will be at the Crescent Portstewart, planning to get underway from 8.30pm with the Status Quo tribute act, ‘The Matchstick Men’.

They aim to rock the promenade prior to the spectacular fireworks display which lights up the coastline at 10.30pm.

For drivers, road closures will be in place on Tuesday 13th May from 9.15am until 2.45pm and Thursday 15th May from 9.15am until 2.45pm for the official practice races. Additional closures include Thursday 15th May from 5.15pm until 9.00pm for Supersport, Supertwin and Superstock racing.

Road closures for the big race finale will be on Saturday 17th May from 9.30am until 7.00pm for this year’s Vauxhall International NW200!

For information on where to stay and hospitality in the Borough of Coleraine during the Vauxhall International North West 200, go to www.northcoastni.com or www.colerainebc.gov.uk

You can also visit http://www.northwest200.org/ for details on all NW200 race and practice schedules, ticket information and the full programme.