On a sunny August Bank Holiday Sunday, thousands of spectators lined the streets of Newbury to witness the town’s very first Newbury BID Krazy Races Soapbox Challenge – a brand-new, free-to-attend event that brought high-energy fun, whacky creations, and plenty of excitement to the town centre!
Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) – the not-for-profit team behind the Visit Newbury brand – partnered with the UK’s leading, award-winning soapbox derby, Krazy Races, to organise this brand-new event as a spiritual successor the town’s much-missed Crafty Raft event.
Twenty teams rolled up with their imaginative, home-made carts designs, eager to clock the fastest time of the day. The action kicked off with a lively procession up Oxford Street, before charismatic commentator Ryan Greaves introduced each team to the crowd.
After a quick performance, teams took turns launching their designated drivers down the crazy course, racing from the Strawberry Hill / Old Bath Road roundabout, along Oxford Street, and over the finish line by Newbury’s iconic Clock Tower.
Off the track, visitors had a chance to see the carts up close and meet the teams in the Pit Area on Northbrook Street, browse event traders and soak in the atmosphere around the town centre.
The event also proudly supported headline charity partner Daisy’s Dream, which was picked following a public vote earlier this year. The Berkshire-based charity raised over £1,500 on the day, which will help to provide invaluable support for children and families facing bereavement.
As the final chequered flag was waved in the afternoon, teams and spectators gathered around the Clock Tower for a prize giving ceremony to celebrate some of the best creations and of course, the fastest racers!
The full list of winners:
- The Team of Teams: The Generals
- Public Vote: Berkshire Youth
- Best Kart Design: Synthetiko
- Best Performance: Madden Swim School
- 3rd Place: Madden Swim School
- 2nd Place: Parkway Shopping Newbury Pekham Trotters
- 1st Place: Runaway Rushtons
Ben Beardmore-Gray, Marketing Manager at Newbury BID says: “We are absolutely delighted with how the day went, it was a thrilling day out that brought the public, charitable sector and local business community together to celebrate everything that makes Newbury great. We would like to say a huge thank you to the Krazy Races team for helping us deliver this brand new flagship event that brought so much joy to Newbury!”
Following a successful event, Newbury BID is excited to confirm it is already in talks about a follow up event in 2026, with more details to follow soon.
Follow @visitnewbury on social media to be the first to hear any announcements!
