Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby set to attract entries from across the region

Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby

A HIGH-SPEED challenge which has attracted teams from across Hull and East Yorkshire will be renewed when Hessle Town Council stages the return of The Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby on 1 July 2023.

The event originated in 2012 and became a fixture in Hessle’s annual calendar but Covid put the brakes on and as a result the contest  hasn’t taken place since 2019.

The Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby is a family friendly fun event for amazingly designed homemade soapbox carts, also known in the Hull area as “bogeys”, which will race from the Humber Bridge toll booth plaza down into the car park to be met by a crowd of cheering spectators.

In the past entries have come in from schools, colleges and businesses across the region, with teams building their own machines and taking to the road in a bid for soapbox glory. The lower age limit for the drivers is 12 years old, and there is no upper age limit.

The Humber Bridge board have kindly consented for their estate and the magnificent Humber Bridge to be once again the venue for this free to watch spectacle which brings together businesses, schools, and individuals to raise money for a local charity. The compere will once again be local presenter Darren Lethem.

Previous charity partners Smile Foundation have benefited in the past and it is hoped that new charity partner Hull4Heroes will enjoy a similar success.

Ann Newlove from HEY Smile Foundation said: “We have supported this event since 2015 and during this time, we have loved bringing businesses, charities, and education sectors together through this exiting public event. It has been wonderful to see teams coming back year after year and to grow the event to the peak we saw in 2019.  With the Covid enforced break over recent years, it felt right for us to step back and let another charity take our place. We know Hull4Heroes and Hessle Town Council will take this event to the next level and we look forward to taking up our spectator spots this year.”

Paul Matson MBE, CEO and Founder of Hull4Heroes said: “Hull4Heroes are honoured to be the new charity partner for the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby 2023. This is an amazing event curated by Hessle Town Council and we cannot wait to be involved.”

Also returning to support the event is main sponsor Sargent Electrical Services, who are suppliers to the caravan and motorhome industry. Ian Sargent, Managing Director, said “Sargent Electrical Services are incredibly pleased to be main sponsor for the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby once again and to be working with the fabulous team at Hull4Heroes. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day for the teams and their soapboxes in what is always a great family event.”

Participants can enter the competition by downloading an entry form from https://humberbridgesoapbox.co.uk/