This summer, there’s an exciting addition when it comes to things to do in East Anglia with the Soapbox Derby taking place during the August Bank Holiday weekend!
The Home of Horseracing is set to host its first Derby for more than 75 years but this time racegoers will hear whirring wheels instead of thundering hooves.
Newmarket’s Soapbox Derby will take place on Sunday 25th August and business across the region are being urged to enter a team or become a sponsor. Up to 60 homemade carts will hurtle down Warren Hill at around 40mph while negotiating chicanes and obstacles, speeding all the way to the end of Moulton Road.
All proceeds will go to local causes supported by the Newmarket Town Charity and the event is being backed by The Jockey Club Estates, Newmarket Racecourses, auctioneers Tattersalls and tourism hub Discover Newmarket.
Councillor James Lay, speaking on behalf the event organisers Newmarket Town Council commented: “Our first Soapbox Derby Day is going to be really exciting and we’re sure people across the region will want to get behind this inaugural event. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted but we’re hoping to see some fantastically designed carts driven by brave amateur racers relying on gravity to get them down safely. We’re sure to see some rivalry but the emphasis will definitely be on having fun!”
Moulton Road will be closed to traffic as spectators line the streets to watch the thrills and spills of the race. There will be food and drinks stalls in the nearby Trainers’ Car Park. Tickets are just £5 for adults and a family ticket, for two adults and two children, is £10. Free entry for children.
Discover Newmarket manager Megan Pollexfen added: “We’re expecting thousands of people to attend Newmarket’s Soapbox Derby Day and experience everything our magnificent town has to offer. Aside from the race itself, they’ll be able to tour attractions such as Palace House, The Jockey Club Rooms and the National Stud. It’s sure to be a great day out to bring the racing and local communities together over the August Bank Holiday weekend.”
During the Second World War, the world-famous Derby flat race was moved from Epsom to Newmarket and the Suffolk town hasn’t hosted such an event since 1943. The Newmarket Soapbox Derby will be a much shorter race, run over a distance of 700 metres as opposed to the2,420m at Epsom.
All information regarding entering a team, becoming a sponsor, specifications for the soapboxes and ticket sales can be found by visiting www.newmarketsoapboxderby.org.uk.
Planning on visiting Newmarket for the Bank Holiday Weekend in August? Take a look at our Tours page to see what else you can get up to or head to the Visiting tab to find places to Eat and Stay.
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