THE ever-popular White Horse Soapbox Derby is returning to the White Horse on Saturday 18th May and spectators can expect a whole day of entertainment as well as plenty of spills and thrills!
This year’s course will see 17 soapbox carts race down the course which organisers say is longer, steeper and more technical than ever before. The course has moved to a slightly different location this year, taking place at Port Way, the road leading down from the White Horse into Bratton, which will also offer spectators the chance to view the races from both sides. Races will commence at 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm.
As well as this, there is plenty of entertainment on offer to spectators, from a variety of live music throughout the event, to remote control car racing, zorbing and kite flying. As the event is also a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fair, there will be a variety of stalls and activities to encourage children to get into STEM subjects and careers.
There will also be a vintage funfair, facepainting, ice cream trucks and much more for little ones to enjoy, while a special Windmill Wood, planted with more than 30 windmills, offers special education needs and disability children a quiet place away from the hubbub of the fair.
“We want Westbury to have an event that shows everything good about the town – an event that gives us all something to be proud of and, ultimately, inspires our young people into careers in STEM subjects and other services,” said the town council’s event manager, Ryan Child.
“This year sees more Westbury-built carts than ever before, loads of local food and produce traders, plus career opportunity stands from the police, fire service and Navy and Army Air Corps. We’ve never had so many local businesses chip in with help, from our partner sponsor Landmarc Solutions, Arke Ltd our gold sponsor, to firms including Hire Standards, Ross Hillman, White Horse CAD, CH Contractors, Cradock Tractors, Westbury Ford and Carrington-Smith sponsoring us with materials we just couldn’t normally afford.’ English Heritage, MJ Church, Litfibre and TORN have also supported this year’s event.
“Mellowmatic are headlining the stage this year and the much-loved Jon Monie returns to the commentary box. Westbury Rotary and the Matravers Combined Cadet Force will manage the car parks. If the weather is poor leading up to May 18th, car parking will be limited to blue badge holders only. Check for updates at Whitehorsesoapbox.co.uk, designed and maintained by Westbury-based web designers Honeystone.
“Extensive additional work including pothole filling, complex licensing and groundbreaking land use agreements have all been undertaken by Westbury Town Council to ensure the event goes ahead.”
Buses and car parking
Buses are free for kids and £1 return for adults, with six Double Decker buses running between Westbury United Football Club and the event site at the White Horse. Minibuses for those with mobility issues will run concurrently.
Bus times are 9am, 9.30am, 10am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 5pm and 5.45pm.
There is on-site car parking this year. Drive up Newtown, BA13 3EE and follow this to the top of Long River Road. Organisers have said that a charge of £5 will help to pay infrastructure costs. Exiting the event via car will be severely delayed before 4.30pm but will be far easier after that time.
Organisers say, “We are extremely lucky to have onsite car parking this year! Please be respectful to the land, please be patient and please be very cautious with people walking on or around the site.”
