45th Sandhurst Donkey Derby - Monday 30 May 2011

The next Sandhurst Donkey Derby will take place on Monday 30 May 2011. We are in the final stages of planning but we still have surprises after all these years and this week my phone has been ringing off the hook with stallholders and suppliers trying to make last minute changes.

Here is the basic programme:

• 11:30 Gates open for the public
  
• 12:00 Official Opening by the Mayor
• 12:05 Entertainment by Sandhurst Corps of Drums
• 1:00 First Race
• 4:30 Last Race, presentations and close

In terms of stalls, the field should have plenty to entertain - we seem to have more stalls than ever with a variety of rides, amusements and things to buy. If you are in the area and have never thought about coming to the Donkey Derby then try it - if you have been before then you won't need much encouragement. As I have noted in other posts on this blog, the Derby is an old-fashioned family fair which entertains huge numbers of people every year and raises money for charity. Don't worry about the charity bit though - just come along and enjoy yourself. It should be a fun day - many people come back year after year and last year's crowds were very special indeed - our best day for many years.

None of the organisers or helpers takes any money so everything we raise (advertising, entrance fees, donkey sponsorships, sulkey sponsorships, stallholder pitch fees and income from our own stalls) goes straight to charity after we pay out the costs for the services that we have to buy in to make the event work.