Briggs Equipment North West 200 Marquee Unveils Biggest Programme Yet: Comedy, Fashion, and Family Fun Await!

It’s the biggest and most ambitious programme ever at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 Marquee, and it all kicks off this weekend. 

Of particular note is the show this Bank Holiday Sunday when BBC Comedy hero Paddy Raff headlines the first-ever Comedy night at the NW200.  He’ll take centre stage in the all-new giant marquee, and he’ll be supported by Comedy circuit favourites Ro’ Boyle and Jordan Robinson.  Paddy is enjoying packed houses straight off the back of his television series Paddy Raff Show, in which he features many different characters, including the hilarious “Nigel, the BT9 snob.  Doors open at 6.00 pm for pre-drinks in what promises to be the funniest night on the coast.

The following afternoon (Bank Holiday Monday) is a family day with cartoon characters, dinosaurs, and superheroes making an appearance.  Admission on the day includes a mailbox for every kid and needles to say there’ll be abundant music and craic.  It’ll be a day to make sure you have a camera and a lot of scary photographs are predicted!

Another night that’s much talked about is the Wednesday night Fashion Show, when Stable Lane Boutique and Burns Outfitters will combine forces for what proved to be a highly successful night last year.  The Fashion Show was tried as an experiment in 2023 and took everyone by surprise; thus, it’s being repeated.  With models from the two top stores in the area displaying what we should wear this summer and a musical performance by Tiernan Heffron, what’s not to like?  The latter has a new album and single released, which he’ll be showcasing on the night, both of which he recorded after meeting Taylor Swift, who came along to one of his performances in Belfast.  

The remainder of RaceWeek features nights with Michael E. Thomas, Cellar Door, and a Chat Show with guests Eugene and Pippa Laverty, John McGuinness, Peter Hickman, Michael Rutter, Oran Kearney, Craig Gilroy, and Neil McManus. Once again, the marquee will be a significant focus of the overall event.

Of course, one of the most memorable nights is the Official NW200 AfterParty on Saturday night, when everyone heads to the marquee for the final hurrah. This year, the String Ninjas will be followed by The Goodfellas. The night will be rounded off with a set from Brian Moore, who has to be the most prolific DJ in Northern Ireland.