More than one thousand residents enjoy Father’s Day Soapbox Derby event

Aylesbury Town Council’s Soapbox Derby made a comeback on Father’s Day (Sunday 19 June) in Whitehill Park.

More than 1,300 spectators gathered to see homemade karts dash down through the park for some gravity-powered fun. The free community event, hosted by Aylesbury Town Council, thrilled families of all ages with entertainment by DJ Dan Blaze.

Soapbox teams had three runs down the haybale-lined track, each attempting to get to the finished line as fast as they can.

The scores from the three runs were added together. The top three karts in the Senior category were: (1st) Team Soapbox – 35.54 seconds, (2nd) – The Alcamites 38.64 seconds and (3rd) – Bare Bones – 40.37 seconds.

The top three karts in the Junior category were: (1st) The Dark Side Racing – 37.83 seconds, (2nd) Scott’s Dozen Junior – 41.24 seconds and (3rd) – Yellow Submarine – 44.72 seconds

The awards for Best Looking Kart were voted for by spectators. (1st) Over The Top, (2nd) The Dark Side Racing and (3rd) Aylesbury Wombles.

The Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon, was in attendance alongside his two chosen charities of the year – Aylesbury Foodbank and Emmett’s Genies. The Town Mayor congratulated each participating team and awarded the winners with their trophy.

Families were entertained by community stalls including a craft tent with Discover Bucks Museum, face painting, circus skills arena, swing boats, local food stalls and Simon Says Magic wowed the crowd with some close-up magic.

Marie Biswell from Hand Talking hosted a quiet space with sensory toys and a calm space if spectators needed some time out from the event.

The Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Tim Dixon, said: “I am so glad the Soapbox Derby made a triumphant return to Aylesbury. It was great to see so many teams competing to be the fastest kart in Whitehill Park. There were lots of interesting designs from some very creative individuals producing some awesome self-propelled push karts. If you haven’t seen this event before, make sure you are at the one in 2023.

“It was great to see the support from community groups at the event. They provided a great advert to other organisations that might want to showcase themselves at Town Council events.”

Aylesbury Town Council’s next free community event will be Aylesbury on Sea in Vale Park on Sunday 3 July from 11am. Click here to find out more about the event.

If you are interested in taking part in next year’s Soapbox Derby, click here to register your interest.

Photos: Steve Cook