News, Local Info & What’s On
Westbury’s White Horse Soapbox Derby
RETURNS FOR A SECOND YEAR!
Saturday 20th May 2023, 11am – 7pm
The South West’s Primary Engineering Event. A practical introduction to STEM for young people, plus teams of ‘brave’ competitors facing the steepest and most challenging course in the UK, winding (hurtling) down the picturesque chalk escarpment above Westbury, Wiltshire.
The White Horse Soapbox Derby is back for its second year, sending engineering marvels down Long River Road on Saturday 20th May. Teams from across the UK, including submarine engineers, the Navy and a record number of local teams will be competing for the coveted winners title, as well as the best dressed historical theme.
This year a remote-control course will be purpose built for local primary schools and the general public to race around. We have provided primary schools in Westbury and the surrounding areas with high spec cars to build and race on the course on the day.
The James Dyson Foundation, Landmarc, the institute of designing engineers and Arke Ltd will all be bringing STEM based learning activities to the event, while the main music stage will be headlined by Complete Madness and Bristol funky ska act Ushti-Baba.
We urge people to walk to the event if they can, although coaches will be provided by Chandlers and will run from Westbury Football Club and the old Cement Works throughout the day. A service for Blue Badge holders will be running from Westbury High Street. All services are paid for by Westbury Town Council and we ask that the drivers and volunteers are respected and supported on what will be a busy day for all. Services will begin at 9.30am. For bus information please see the White Horse Soapbox event page on Facebook.

Westbury Festival Stage Music Stage
6:00pm
Headlining this year’s Westbury Town Council event, and courtesy of Westbury’s Gooding Accounts, ‘Complete Madness’ are most definitely UK’s number 1 tribute to the Nutty Boys! The popular 6-piece band will be going ‘one step beyond’, performing Madness classics and taking to the Westbury Festival stage at 6pm, right after the Soapbox winner announcements at 5:35pm.
4.40pm
Leading up to the Soapbox Winner announcements, you can see a live performance from special guests and festival favourites ‘Ushti Baba!’ – Having performed at just about every major festival in the UK including Glastonbury, the much- loved unique Folk folk-rave fused band features Violin, Guitars, Trumpet, Cello, Accordion and Beat-Box to create hypnotic pan-European melodies with modern dance rhythms!
2.15pm
One of this year’s special guest slots features ‘JFB’, The 4 x Champion DJ title holder and 2021 world DMC champion. JFB is considered the UK’s leading Scratch DJ and turntablist. He was a resident DJ on Rob Da Bank’s Radio 1 show and his videos have amassed over 9 million views on YouTube alone!
12.45pm
Biggie Tallz returns to his hometown of Westbury, having held residency for the past few years as a Club DJ in Bath. A favourite from the 2022 Soapbox, our special guest and local resident Biggie Tallz will be serving up some summer anthems. From RnB through to Hip Hop, Funk and Soul (maybe with one or two other unexpected hits in the mix!)
11:30am
The Westbury Festival stage opens with DJ’s ‘Hit Or Miss. Fresh from performing Dorset’s Famed, ‘Teddy Rocks festival’ and regular special guest DJs for Martin Kemp’s live 80s shows, The Frome based DJs will be kicking off the event with a mash-up of pop, rock and indie anthems, ‘singalongs is a must!’

Transport, Parking and Disabled Access Information

Sponsored by: Westbury Town Council / Arke Ltd / Torn / Landmarc / White Horse Equestrian Centre
Music by: Westbury Festival
Powered by: Honeystone Web Design
The Official Timekeeper: Carrington-Smith
Supported by: Gooding Accounts Ltd / Western Skip Hire / The Paper Bag Co / White Horse Cad / Westbury Ford / Just Workwear / Gm3|Music
For more information:
Website: whitehorsesoapbox.co.uk
Email: info@whitehorsesoapbox.co.uk
Facebook: Westbury Whitehorse Soapbox Derby | Facebook
Website: WTC Calendar
