The Westbury White Horse Soap Box Derby has been postponed for 2026 due to public safety concerns and the event outgrowing its current location.
Westbury Town Council said it had taken the difficult decision to postpone the event, which had been planned for May 2026.
The council said, “This decision follows careful and detailed consideration of public safety, regulatory obligations, and the long-term sustainability of this much-valued community event.
“Since the first Soap Box Derby in 2022, visitor numbers have increased year on year by approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people. While this growth reflects the event’s popularity and success, the scale now projected for 2026 has outpaced the capacity of its current location and supporting infrastructure.
“The existing site, while offering an exceptional setting for the racing itself, presents significant challenges in safely managing pedestrian and visitor access, alongside transport and traffic flow. Protecting the safety of pedestrians, visitors, participants, volunteers and residents remains paramount for the Council.”
Following discussions with the highways authority and Wiltshire Police, the council said it had been advised that a licence for the 2026 event could not be issued without fundamental changes to address safety concerns.
Based on this advice, the council said the Soap Box Derby could not be delivered safely or lawfully in its current format in 2026, adding that attempting to proceed would create unacceptable levels of risk for the council, volunteers and the wider community.
The council has therefore designated 2026 as a fallow year.
A spokesperson added, “This will provide officers with the necessary time to undertake a full and careful review of alternative options, including potential new locations and revised event management arrangements, to support the planned relaunch of the Soap Box Derby in 2027 in a way that is safe, sustainable and fit for the future.
“Westbury Town Council remains committed to the Soap Box Derby and the value it brings to the town. Working with partners, stakeholders and the community, the Council will focus over the coming year on ensuring the event is well placed to return in a safe and sustainable manner.”
