NI celebrates DeLorean anniversary

Published Friday, 27 May 2011
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Eighty DeLoreans from 21 different countries will be in Northern Ireland over the weekend to celebrate 30 years since the first one rolled off the production line in Belfast.

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A convoy of the cars will be making its way across NI as part of the four-day Eurofest 2011 event, starting at the Belfast Odyssey on Friday.

A special convention is being held there, giving members of the public the chance to have a closer look at the infamous sports cars before they embark on a scenic drive to Bangor.

Another event will be held the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum on Saturday afternoon, followed by a trip to the North Antrim Coast on Sunday which includes stops in Portrush and at Bushmills Distillery.

The DeLorean was produced for the American market in the early 80s and was made iconic by its appearance as a time machine in the Back to the Future movies.

Manufacturing work on the infamous, gull-winged sports car began at the factory in Dunmurry in 1981.

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, whose department is part-sponsoring the festival, said DeLorean symbolises the "history and vision" of Northern Ireland.

"Today our international guests have the chance to experience the DeLorean, which symbolises our history and vision, and the transformation of the river Lagan and Laganside area symbolises our present and future," he said.

"Events such as this give the public and international visitors an opportunity to experience some of the highlights that Northern Ireland has to offer. The Department for Social Development is pleased to be part of such a great occasion".

Hundreds of delegates from as far afield as the USA and Australia have travelled to Belfast to take part in the event, and they say local people will have their chance to get up close and personal with the vehicles.

"Thousands of visitors are also expected and the people of Northern Ireland will have an opportunity to see the cars," said Robert Lamrock of the DeLorean Owners Association.

"As always, we are delighted to have 80 of the cars in town and delegates from 21 countries attending the various events. This year's festival is of particular importance to DeLorean fans as it marks the 30th Anniversary of when the first DeLorean "Made in Belfast" rolled off the production line and into the history books."

© UTV News
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5 Comments
joe marley in yorkshire wrote (359 days ago):
i worked in the delorean factory great car factory great employers great feeling in the workforce they belonged to a part of something like a titanic moment then it was sunk by stuped politic--ians fools they were.
Andy in Belgium wrote (359 days ago):
I wouldn't consider the DeLorean a 'failure'; from the 8500 build, about 6000 of them are still around and running. Besides, have you ever been in Belfast with a DeLorean?? I just did last week with my DeLorean, and I can tell you that that car is still an icon over there! I spoke with some of the ex-workers and even after 30 years they still consider it as 'the best job they ever had'! Don't believe everything you read about it in the media, I know better!
Kevin in Bangor wrote (362 days ago):
Yes, the DeLoean reflects N Ireland. Vast amount of public money wasted, deluded politicians and fraud.
alom in belfast wrote (362 days ago):
like the titanic sinking on it's maiden voyage what is there to celebrate in somehting that was essentially a failure - perverse!
tony mc keever in wrote (363 days ago):
hi as my father worked at the factory i find it interesting and would like to know at what time the car will be at dumnurry factory .
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