On Sunday 25th June Chippenham came truly came to life with almost 12,000 visitors to the town thanks to the first ever Soap Box Derby. The day saw a fantastic display of homemade, non-motorised karts race through the town from Market Place down the High Street to The Bridge.
Event sponsor, Debbie Williams of John Williams Heating Services Ltd. said, “Chippenham BID put on a fantastic and well organised event. What a fantastic day and what a fantastic way to get the people of Chippenham together. The town was buzzing, with local businesses and people of all ages coming together to watch the races. We can’t wait for next year!”
The karts arrived at the Vehicle Check Zone in a range of shapes, sizes, colours and wacky themes, and all were the product of hard work and creativity from the teams who entered the Soap Box Derby. Juniors and Seniors went head to head in their categories to scoop a range of trophies including: Most Eye-Catching Soap Box, Best Team Effort, The Wacky Racer, the John Williams Heating Trophy for Fastest Business Kart and the Eagle One Trophy for Fastest Soap Box.
Mayor of Chippenham, Councillor Mary Norton said, “The Soap Box Derby was great fun, and well organised. Even the weather brightened up after I complained that the tap needed to be turned off. The karts were very imaginative and eye catching, and I think a good time was had by all. The children all seemed to enjoy the fun; we certainly did.”
Sunday 25th of June 2017 will go down in the annals of history as the inaugural Soap Box Derby in Chippenham, and in the memories of all who attended as a smashing day out!