30 of the 40 team slots have already been filled
Krazy Races Boxcar racing in Stockport town centre in May 2023(Image: Manchester Evening News)
More than 30 teams have signed up to Bristol’s first major soap box derby event, as organisers have revealed which two local good causes will benefit from the huge event.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to Victoria Park in South Bristol in September for the Krazy Races Soapbox Derby, which has attracted crowds totalling a quarter of a million people over the space of the past five years with events mainly held in northern cities.
Now it’s coming to Bristol on Sunday, September 7, and organisers are keen to sign up more teams, and raise as much money as possible for charity.
Previous events around the country have raised more than £150,000 for local good causes, and Bristol’s inaugural event will do the same. After an online poll, two charities have been chosen to be the official charities for the event – Children’s Hospice South West and Many Minds.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the support from the Bristol community since our launch late last year,” said Danny Scoffin, from Krazy Races.
“We now have over 30 fantastic teams, and tickets are already flying off the shelves. A key part of our event is raising as much money as possible for local charities, so we felt it was important for the people of Bristol to choose their charity partners.
“Over several weeks, thousands of votes were cast, and the community has selected two incredible charities. We’re beyond excited to work with them to enhance the event experience while raising vital funds,” he added.
There’s now 30 of the 40 slots for teams to sign up and take part in the event, which sees teams build their own go-karts to tackle a downhill track at Victoria Park, competing for both speed on the track and style, flair and character before they begin.
“Teams, made up of individuals, charity groups, or businesses, will design, build, and race their quirky, handcrafted soapboxes down the hill in front of thousands of spectators, relying solely on the power of gravity,” said Danny.
“This will be the first time Krazy Races has visited Bristol, and the event will take place on Windmill Hill in Victoria Park. Expect a day of exhilarating racing, with competitors battling for trophies, local pride, and plenty of laughs,” he added.
Amanda Leonard, the area fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, which is based near Portishead, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as one of the headline charities at this fun event, which is a first for Bristol too.
“The event will help to raise our profile and any money raised will allow us to continue to support over 500 babies, children and young people across the region. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of these individuals and their families as they navigate such unimaginable times.
“We rely on voluntary donations from the community to continue to care for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families,” she added. “As well as providing emergency and end of life care, we also provide precious care for the whole family which includes a dedicated sibling service for brothers and sisters, which is a lifeline for so many.
“We are looking forward to enjoying a fun-filled day and can’t wait to see the soap box creations,” she said.
Krazy Races in Stockport town centre(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The other official event charity is Many Minds, an Easton-based mental health charity that tries to empower people who have experience of mental ill-health to realise their full potential through creativity and performance.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Many Minds has been chosen as a headline charity partner for Bristol’s first-ever Krazy Races,” said the charity’s co-director Olivia Ware.
“Creativity, collaboration, and community spirit are at the heart of what we do, and this event embodies all of that in the most exciting way. The funds raised will help us continue our work supporting mental well-being through the power of performance and creativity.
“We can’t wait to see the incredible soapbox designs and the Bristol community coming together for a day of fun, energy, and purpose,” she added.