Win an iPad with the Europe Direct Blanchardstown Library Annual Soapbox Competition

Soapbox Europe Direct 2020

This year’s Europe Direct Annual Soapbox Competition may look a little different to previous years, but we still have the same fantastic prize of an iPad and the chance to compete in the National Final. Last year, the Blanchardstown Europe Direct regional winner, Beverly Joseph went on to win the national title!

The regional soapbox competition is organised every year by the Europe Direct Information Centre based at Blanchardstown Library. This year, we move to an online format. Participants are invited to send us their 3-minute presentations by video. These will then be viewed by the panel of judges who will choose a winner and runner up.

The theme this year is: “Everyone wants to go back to the pre-Covid way of life”

The competition is open to entrants who are 18 years or under or those who are 19 years and over. Winners in both categories will receive an iPad sponsored by the EU Commission with runner up prizes sponsored by the Europe Direct Information Centre in Blanchardstown.

There is a limit of 20 entrants across both age categories. Therefore, this will be on a first come, first served basis i.e. the first 20 individuals to register will be accepted for the competition.

You can download an application form here:  Soapbox 2020 Application Form

This form can be sent to:   There must be at least two contestants in each category for the competition to proceed.

  • Previous winners are not eligible to enter in the same category the year immediately after winning the regional competition.
  • Each EDIC will run an online event where the regional winners are announced, and the regional winning entries are played. Please contact your local EDIC for details.
  • The regional winning entries will be submitted to the national final. A national panel of judges will review regional winning entries in advance of the national final which will take place on Wednesday 9th December, 2020. All entries will be played and the winners will be announced live during the event.
  • The deadline for receipt of application and pre-recorded video of the speech is 20th November 2020.

    • In light of COVID-19 restrictions, winners’ prizes cannot be presented in person at the time of the regional event and will be made available to the successful entrants as soon as possible following the event, having regard to national COVID-19 guidelines.
    • Images from the event may be used for promotional purposes by the EDIC.