The popular Westbury White Horse Soapbox 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, a highlight in the town’s calendar that sees custom-built carts hurtling down the track near the White Horse, 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 Soapbox 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.”
At a Full Council meeting on Monday 5th January, Councillor Mike Sutton expressed disappointment at the timing of the decision and said he had spoken to youngsters in Dilton Marsh who were already building their soapbox for the event.
“I understand the reasons, but this is a real failure of process from the very beginning,” said Cllr Sutton. “We should’ve done this and had this decision way back in May, it’s far too late.
“For those of us who have been in the real world, when you put something off for a year, it never comes back, it never comes back the same way.”
The council has designated 2026 as a fallow year for the event.
A spokesperson said, “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 Soapbox Derby in 2027 in a way that is safe, sustainable and fit for the future.”
Based on advice received, the council said a licence for the 2026 event could not be issued without fundamental changes and that the Soapbox Derby could not be delivered safely or lawfully in its current format.
Pictured: Last year’s Soapbox Derby
