AS THE new year gets under way, Westbury can look forward to a range of exciting events to entertain locals over the coming year.
During recent years, Westbury has developed new ideas for community events, which are now part of the town’s calendar.
This year, the coronation of King Charles III will take place at the beginning of May, and a town community event is planned, so that people can watch the crowning together and celebrate the occasion.
Last year, in its inaugural year, Westbury’s first Soapbox Derby drew crowds from far and wide and was extremely popular. The event will take to the Westbury hills again this year, alongside a return of local favourites.
Westbury Mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins said, “We have shown that Westbury has the capacity to put on fantastic events with the successes of the Chilli Fest, the Soapbox Derby, and last year’s Jubilee tea event, so I think we should continue this moving forward this year.”
Some of the events planned this year include:
Coronation of King Charles III – May
Westbury residents will be able to enjoy another free event organised by the town council this year, on the day of the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place on Saturday 6th May. The town council plan to hire a large screen in Soisy Gardens so as many residents as possible can watch the event and there will also be light refreshments – fancy dress is encouraged!
Soapbox Derby – May
The hugely popular White Horse Soapbox Derby will take place on Saturday 20th May at the White Horse Equestrian Centre and it will see people from around the country battle it out in the biggest engineering battle in the county. The first Soapbox Derby that took place last year saw over 4,000 spectators come from right across the country to watch 20 teams of engineers and amateurs compete to race down the steep hill leading to the White Horse. This year’s engineering extravaganza will welcome teams from every rung on the engineering ladder, with event organisers hoping to get the same mix of schools, engineering colleges, local enthusiasts and professionals. You can get your entries in now- visit the White Horse Soapbox Derby Facebook page to enter.
Lions’ Donkey Derby – June
This event will take place in June at the White Horse Country Park and it will give children the opportunity to be a jockey for a day! All money raised on the day will go to local causes. There will also be donkey rides alongside the races, fair rides, stalls, family games, and face painting.
Edington Music Festival – August
This year’s festival will begin on Sunday 20th and end on Sunday 27th August. The 14th century Priory Church of St Katherine and All Saints in Edington hosts one of the oldest annual festivals of church music in the world. Since its small beginnings in 1956, it has grown and flourished to become an important and probably one of the most well-known festivals of music within the liturgy, bringing the music of European Cathedrals and religious institutions to this small community. Visitors come from all over the world to share this extraordinary experience. Over 80 musicians gather to sing the principal daily services in three choirs, including plainchant, polyphony, anthems, masses, psalms and responses.
White Horse Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show – September
This event, by the Lions Club of Westbury in partnership with Trowbridge Lions, takes place at the White Horse Country Park in early September. This will be the fifth year the show has been running. All entry fees and funds raised from stalls on the day will go towards charities and those in need within the communities of Westbury and Trowbridge. Organisers say, “This event just keeps on growing in popularity! In our first year we had 300 exhibition vehicles, in year two we had over 450 vehicles and last year over 550, even after Covid! We have attendees from across the South West bringing their classic cars and motorcycles, vintage tractors and classic commercial vehicles too!
“Alongside the wide range of vehicles on show, we will have fair rides and games, live music, stalls including crafts and autojumble stands, ice creams, a huge range of foods served throughout the day from multiple vendors and a fantastic licensed bar – we are constantly aiming to make sure there will be something for everyone!
“Whether you are a car or motorcycle enthusiast, a connoisseur of vintage tractors and commercial vehicles, or are simply looking for a fun family day out, we are certain you will receive a warm welcome from our volunteers and the exhibitors!” Chilli Fest – September This free event takes place in September in the town centre and proves popular each year with over 3,000 people flocking to Westbury for 2022’s festival. It features a chilli eating contest (judged by the UK’s Chilli Queen herself), a whole selection of live music acts, a range of food stalls and bars.
Westbury Festival
For the past 15 years, Westbury has hosted a fortnight-long arts and culture festival that takes place at the end of September and usually features over 40 various free and paid events. However, this year’s event could be in jeopardy as more volunteers are needed to step forward for the festival to go ahead. Could you offer your help to ensure the Westbury Festival remains part of the town’s calendar?
Contact info@WestburyFestival.org.uk
