Inner North-West, start your engines!

After the roaring success of the inaugural Queensberry Cup, the Billycart Challenge is set to return to the corner of Errol St and Queensberry streets on October 21.

Last year more than 5000 locals flocked to the streets to celebrate North and West Melbourne’s diverse community in what was the first major local event post-COVID.

While the Billycart Challenge is the premiere event of the day, the festival aims to reflect, celebrate and support local residents, businesses and members of the thriving inner-city suburbs.

Last year the festival also included live music, performances, food demonstrations and a much-adored Village Dog Show.

According to Ariel Valent, director of local not-for-profit organisation The Centre which orchestrates the event, almost all food and beverage retailers sold out on the day last year.

The corner of Errol and Queensberry streets will again be the heart of festivities, with surrounding streets to be barricaded off as the carnival comes alive.

Big prizes including $500 to spend at local North Melbourne shops will be awarded for the fastest in various age categories, and for the most creative cart.

Great local speculation and anticipation has surrounded the return of billy-carting prodigy Oliver Furlong, who at 10 years old last year won the open age category.

queensberrycup.org.au