Thousands Turn Out for Dunstable’s Thrilling Soapbox Derby

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Dunstable Town Council's Soapbox Derby returned in spectacular style, drawing huge crowds as 11 teams raced their homemade karts down a custom built 2.7 meter high ramp in Priory Gardens.


Thousands of spectators lined the course to support the competing teams, who demonstrated remarkable creativity, engineering skills and determination, helping to create a thrilling day packed with excitement, laughter and community spirit.

This free event, organised by Dunstable Town Council, proved another huge success, bringing together participants, sponsors and spectators for a memorable day of family-friendly entertainment.

Dunstable Town Council would like to thank every team that took part in this year’s Soapbox Derby. The incredible creativity, hard work and commitment that went into building and racing the karts brought the event to life and provided entertainment for thousands of spectators. Without their contribution, the event simply would not have been possible.

  • Harlington Upper School
  • Caddington Grove Care Home
  • Liecene 2 Hill
  • Milehams
  • Jones Boys (boy)
  • Team Judokart
  • Christ Church Dunstable
  • LionHeart Explorers
  • Firestarts
  • Junior F1 Team
  • TEAM C50APBOX

A special congratulations goes to Junior F1 Team for retaining their title with the fastest time. Licence to Hill also impressed the judges with pre-race themed performance, taking home the Best Presentation award.

"It was truly fantastic to see the Dunstable community come together in such huge numbers for the Soapbox Derby. From all the brilliant teams who poured their creativity and hard work into building these incredible karts, to the fantastic supporters lining the track and cheering everyone on.
Events like this showcase the very best of our town's community spirit, and I want to thank every single participant, sponsor and spectator for making it such an unforgettable day. It was a fantastic fun family event that will long live in the memories of all those who attended."
Town Mayor of Dunstable, Councillor Richard Attwell, attended the event and praised the incredible atmosphere throughout the day

Dunstable Town Council would like to thank the many organisations and individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran safely and smoothly.

Special thanks go to:

  • Dunstable Town Council officers
  • BBB Group
  • Event commentator, Jezo
  • Essential Staging
  • SRM Security
  • St John Ambulance
  • Stallholders and caterers
  • SRM Security

The Council would also like to recognise the generous support of this year’s sponsors:

Main Sponsor

GT Trax Ltd – Event & Construction Supplies & Ground Protection

Silver Sponsor

Caddington Grove Care Home

Banner Sponsors

  • Hardings Accident Repair Centre
  • Chiltern Tyre & Exhausts Ltd
  • Milehams Discount Car Care
  • Juuls Ltd Tutoring

As part of the event’s commitment to supporting the local community and sustainability, the straw hay bales used along the course were offered for donation following the event. Local organisations, schools and animal rescue groups, including Appledown Rescue, benefited from the initiative.

The event was further enhanced by a special market on The Square, organised by Dunstable’s Town Centre Team to coincide with the Soapbox Derby. The market provided an opportunity for local traders to showcase a wide range of unique crafts, handmade products and delicious food, encouraging visitors to explore even more of what Dunstable’s town centre has to offer.

Following the popularity of this year’s Soapbox Derby, planning will soon begin for the next Dunstable Soapbox Derby. Anyone interested in building a kart and taking part in future events is encouraged to contact Dunstable Town Council by emailing events@dunstable.gov.uk or calling 01582 513000.

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