Entries open for town’s annual Whacky Races

Soap Box Derby takes place July 9

WANNABE racers are invited to enter this year’s spectacular eighth annual Soap Box Derby as it prepares to roar back into town.

Entries are now open for the popular family event put on by Hinckley BID, which will see dozens of homemade soap boxes hurtle down Castle Street on Sunday July 9.

Anyone who has the urge to build a soap box can take part, with the event open to families, businesses, charities, colleges, schools, scout groups and more.

Steve Wegerif, director of Hinckley BID, said the event promised to be great fun, adding: “This is always one of our most popular events, and one I look forward to every year.

“We are hoping 40 teams will enter, but we’d love even more - we’d like a new record (44 last year).

“For those who don’t want to take part in the soap box itself, the event is still one to mark down in your diaries. It’s free - and fun - to watch, and there will be more than 50 cafes, shops and businesses open to enjoy.

“It really is a fantastic family day out, and I promise it will be great fun for everyone.”

There are several categories for competitors to take part in, including overall fastest team, the best turned-out soap box crew and best novelty soap box. A small entry fee is required, per soap box, to help cover the costs of putting on the race.

Entrants will be split into two different categories, with the junior category being for those aged between 12 and 17 and the senior category for the over 18s.

Last year, a record number of racers took part, keen to have a go at the new ramp obstacle.

Thousands lined the streets as 44 teams from Hinckley and around the Midlands plummeted down Castle Street to be crowned as the fastest vehicle. All Team members receive a medal from Hinckley’s Mayor.

The entry fee is £25, £10 which is payable on the submission of an entry form. The remaining £15 is due four weeks before the race.

For an entry pack for this year’s race, please email steve@hinckleybid.co.uk or call Hinckley 698494. ARE you a charming prince or beautiful princess from Burbage - then your community needs you!

The search is on to find royalty for this year’s carnival prince and princess to represent the village at the biggest event of the year.

Any child aged seven to 14 has the chance to take pride of place at this year’s carnival with a competition on Sunday April 30 at 2.30pm at Millennium Hall.

All children must either live in the village or attend a Burbage school.

The lucky winners will then attend events throughout the year as well as take part in the carnival on Sunday June 18.

All applicants will also be able to take part in the carnival procession.

Application forms are available to download at www.burbagecarnival. com.

This year’s competition is open to the general public at £2 per head for adults and free for children.

There will be a buffet, drinks as well as a tombola and various raffles.