Everything you need to know about ‘first of its kind’ Beccles Soapbox Derby

A ‘first of its kind’event taking place in Beccles tomorrow could become an annual occasion.

The town will host its first soapbox derby, with 25 karts set to take on a route down Station Road including a ramp and chicane.

If the inaugural event is a success, the town council hopes the Soapbox Derby could become an annual event.

Cllr Colin Hill, mayor, said: “Beccles Soapbox Derby will be a new and exciting event for the town, supporting and promoting local businesses.

“This free community event is sure to boost community spirit.”

The event is free to enter and attend, with the majority of this year’s karts entered by Beccles businesses.

The derby starts at 11.15am, with the first kart run at 11.30am.

Soapbox derby road closures:

• Station Road and Smallgate will be closed
• Market Street will be closed from the Co-op to Station Road – residents will still be able to drive through New Market and towards Ballygate or Northgate
• Newgate will be closed from the turning into Caxton Road, with residents advised to use The Old Market Bus Station for bus routes
• Blyburgate and London Road into Hungate will be open until the car parks only.

The soapbox derby idea was suggested by Dan Lovett, who works at Beccles Toy Box.

Beccles Town Council thanked East Suffolk Council for its grant which made the event possible, along with sponsors Radical Waste, First Bus, Cripps Properties and Milestone.