Why has the White Horse Soapbox Derby been postponed?

The derby was postponed due to public safety concerns and the site's limited capacity to handle the large number of spectators.

When will the White Horse Soapbox Derby return?

Organizers are planning a 'fallow year' to address safety and capacity issues, aiming for the event to return in an improved format in the future.

What are the safety issues at the Westbury Soapbox Derby?

The event has faced challenges managing large crowds on narrow roads, with attendees sometimes ignoring safety instructions from stewards.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Soapbox Derby Postponed Over Safety Fears

Soapbox Derby Postponed Over Safety Fears

9 Jan

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Summary

Popular soapbox derby faces postponement due to safety concerns.
Event organisers cite insufficient capacity at the hillside site.
A licence for the 2026 event cannot be issued without improvements.

Soapbox Derby Postponed Over Safety Fears

The highly anticipated White Horse Soapbox Derby in Westbury has been postponed indefinitely, a decision driven by critical public safety and site capacity concerns. Event organizers, Westbury Town Council, announced that after consulting with police and highway officials, the derby cannot be safely delivered in its existing format.

Mayor Jane Russ expressed disappointment, acknowledging last year's anxieties regarding crowd management where attendees often disregarded steward instructions. The council revealed that a license for the 2026 event is not possible without substantial safety enhancements, as the event's popularity has now surpassed the venue's capabilities. Spectator numbers have surged from an estimated four thousand to over ten thousand, overwhelming local infrastructure.

Westbury Town Council is now exploring alternative locations and strategies to revive the event, potentially taking a 'fallow year' to address long-term solutions. This approach, drawing inspiration from Glastonbury's breaks, aims to ensure the derby returns "even better" in the future, addressing the challenges posed by its own success.