A SOAPBOX derby which attracts thousands of residents will return to Billericay this April, much to the delight of residents. 

The Billericay Soapbox Derby sees residents race through the town centre at high speed in custom built vehicles. 

Last year more than 5,000 people gathered to watch the races, which was the first since the pandemic halting the hugely popular event. 

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Now, the Billericay Rotary Club has confirmed the event will take place on April 30 at Sun Corner. 

A spokesman for the organisers said: “Billericay Mayflower Rotary’s Soapbox Derby will be taking place at Sun Corner on Sunday, April 30.

“This hugely popular event is hoping to attract as many carts as possible for an amazing day of fun and excitement.

“It is a huge amount of fun for both spectators and participants, so why not enter a cart and be part of the entertainment.

“Mayflower Rotarians are getting very excited.”

Racers taking part in the derby will be judged on “team performance”, “soapbox design” and “spectator’s reaction” to give an overall score. 

There will also be a separate trophy and cash price for the fastest three soapboxes.

The three categories this year included students - drivers between 12 and 21 - corporate - including police, fire service, shops, and institutions - and wacky races - those with creative wacky-looking soapboxes.

Andrew Baggott, Conservative councillor responsible for the Burstead ward, and leader of Basildon Council welcomed its return.

He said: “It is always good to hear of the return of an event like this.

“It is a community experience and hopefully the weather is good so people can go out have fun, have a laugh, and mingle with other people.

“It also brings people into the borough too as it isn’t your standard event, it is a bit different.

“A lot of people also put a lot of effort into creating their soapboxes, so it will be great to have it back again.”

Pre-event tickets cost £5, and tickets on the day cost £7.

The gates open to the public at 10am, with racing commencing at 11am.

For more information or to sign up, visit https://mayflowerrotary.org/events/soap-box-derby/