LENNON Festival excitement was bubbling when the Soapbox Derby launched the fun ahead of the official opening.
The festival begins in Ramelton tomorrow (Thursday) and runs until Monday with a packed programme of attractive events and performers.
Soapboxes raced around the course in Ramelton on the banks of the beautiful River Lennon last Sunday.
A festival spokesperson said: “What an incredible day of racing at the Lennon Festival Soapbox Derby 2026!
“A huge congratulations to everyone who took part. The standard of racing was fantastic and the competition was fierce from start to finish.
“In first place was Ivan Simms, who won on a time of 30.7 seconds. Second was James Harte in 30.9 seconds and third was Trevor Murray and Dean Conaghan who crossed the line on 31.1 seconds.
“The Best Novelty Award went to Cara Simms and Ellie Simms.
“Congratulations to all our competitors who took on the course, and a special well done to everyone who made it to the finish line.”
Ivan Simms was the winner at Lennon Festival’s Soapbox Derby.
Trevor Murray and Dean Conaghan get their prizes after an exciting Lennon Festival Soapbox Derby.
Lennon Festival’s Soapbox Derby was a hit for James Harte on Sunday.
Cara Simms and Ellie Simms won the Best Novelty Award at the Lennon Festival’s Soapbox Derby.
The spokesperson added: “A massive thank you to all our volunteers and marshals, the Irish Red Cross, An Garda Síochána, the emergency services, and all our spectators and supporters who created an amazing atmosphere throughout the day.
“We hope everyone enjoyed another fantastic Soapbox Derby and we look forward to seeing you all back on the hill next year.”
Meanwhile, the Singing Pub Contest is also under way.
It is between the Bridge Bar, the Silver Tassie, Purty House, Conway’s Bar, and the Lennon Lodge – and it ends tonight (Thursday) in the Lennon Lodge as part of the Queen of the Lennon Contest.
The judges will decide which pub put on the best show, which is always a very popular part of the Lennon Festival.
Some of the venues revealed their Queens of the Lennon earlier this week.
The Bridge Bar’s Queens of the Lennon: Alana Gibbons and Eimear Connolly.
Silver Tassie Hotel’s Queens of the Lennon: Emma Peoples and Chloe Creevey.
The Silver Tassie Hotel wished good luck to Emma and Chloe and said: “Wishing you the very best of luck. Enjoy every second of the celebrations, make lots of wonderful memories, and most importantly, have an amazing time.”
The Bridge Bar’s gave best wishes to Alana and Eimear and said: “We’ll all be cheering you on.”