Bideford Soapbox Derby returns with thrills and spills this Sunday

This Sunday the Soapbox Derby returns to Bideford, bringing with it all the thrills and spills we’ve come to expect from this fantastic event.

A record 51 teams will be careening down Bideford High Street, weaving through chicanes, surviving humps and getting some air on the ramps before a 90 degree turn onto the quay.

The fun officially begins at 11.30am with racing starting at midday, get to Bideford early if you want to secure a parking space close to the town centre.

Rebecca Edwards, of Out Of This World Events, said: “The Soapbox Derby has come back with vengeance for 2023, we have 51 teams and the quay will be buzzing with street food, stalls, the Fly Bar and a kids corner.

“Last year we watched as 43 soapboxes make their way down the track, some whizzed and flew down, some crashed on the wipe out corner and a few fell to bits over the boneshaker ramp, but every soapbox was a masterpiece of imagination and skill.

“Our talented and imaginative ramp builder Jason Poulton will be building the seesaw ramp this year, so not only will the teams have to navigate the chicanes but also 4 different ramps, and each ramp is designed to test the durability of the homemade soapboxes and the captain’s driving skills.

Rebecca added: “This is the third year and we are so excited, remember to bring umbrellas and sun lotion as the derby madness will be going ahead regardless of the British weather. Come and join us to raise money for ChemoHero.”

Bideford Soapbox Derby is an annual community event held on Father’s day.

The soapbox team’s raise money for the Bideford Soapbox Derby’s chosen local charity, ChemoHero. Each team build their own contraptions and design and mould them into the marvels the spectators see on the day.

ChemoHero is a North Devon registered charity on a mission to support everyone starting chemotherapy treatment at The North Devon District Hospital with a box of kindness.

ChemoHero’s boxes of kindness include nearly forty products for the patient to use while on treatment. Included are items to use while having treatment, products to help with the side effects of chemotherapy and some treats for the patient to enjoy at a time of real uncertainty.

Event Schedule

11:30 – Official event opening

12:00 – Racing Starts

13:30- 14.30 – Lunch Break: Enjoy the entertainment from Jumping Jacks Comedy Stunt Show on the Soapbox track and enjoy some great local food.

14:30-16.00 – Racing resumes

Check out all our Soapboxes in our Pit area.

16:15 – Trophy Giving & Awards

17:00 – Event Closes