Have your say at this year’s Europe Direct Soapbox competition and be in with a chance to win an iPad, sponsored by the European Commission Representation.

We are excited to announce that this year’s Annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition is back in person! To be in with a chance to win a great prize, and represent your region in the national competition, please fill in the application form and return it via email to boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and richardpower@waterfordcouncil.ie A librarian will issue you with a confirmation of receipt email. Please do contact Central Library on 051 849975 if you don’t receive an email.

Date and venue of the regional Final:

The final of the Regional Soapbox debate will take place on Wednesday 22nd November at 10am in the Large Room, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

Please Note:

• Entrants are invited to deliver a three minute speech for or against the topic: “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter” – Barack Obama.
  In today’s turbulent times, it is more important than ever to build a better future by voting in the EU Parliament Elections.
• Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Ages 16 & under OR Ages 17 & over.
• The winner of each category will be announced on the day of the event and will be invited to attend the National final with a chance to compete for One4All vouchers to the value of €1,000.
• The provisional date and venue for the National final is Monday 27th November in the Royal College of Physicians. (Time to be confirmed).

To Enter:

• Be sure to read through the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules first!
• To register your entry please Click Here to Download an Entry Form and please Click Here to view and download the Europe Direct Soapbox Competition Rules.
• Email your entry form to: boshea@waterfordcouncil.ie and richardpower@waterfordcouncil.ie or post to: Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford, X91 VO45.
• Download and Tick the Europe Direct Soapbox Checklist 2023 to ensure that the application form is filled in and signed appropriately.

Closing Date for Receipt of Application Form Entries: 4:30pm, Monday 20th November 2023.

For more information contact the Europe Direct Centre at Central Library on: 051 849975

Prizes are sponsored by the European Commission Representation in Ireland

The term soapbox originates in the use of an empty crate as a platform by speakers to give speeches, often impromptu, to passers-by from around the turn of the last century. The most famous location for soapbox oratory is Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London, which has been a setting for public speaking since the 1870s.