Visitor Information

Soapbox Derby & Engineering STEM Fair with live music, food concessions, licenced bar & The Red Devils parachute display team!

Get ready for an action-packed day at the White Horse Soapbox Derby and STEM Fair on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 10 AM to 7 PM! Watch as daring competitors take on the world's most challenging soapbox course, with thrilling time trial races at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Beyond the racecourse, explore a buzzing STEM activity area, the James Dyson Foundation marquee, and an exciting mix of street food, artisan traders, and live music. 

Airborne daredevils the world famous British Army parachute display team, The Red Devils will thrill the crowd with a heart stopping ballet of control and chaos, descending in a tight stack and dizzying corkscrew. 

With giant kites soaring above, a 7-meter climbing wall, two bars, and even a historic Army Aircraft Flight Scout helicopter dropping in, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled, high-energy day!

Please note that visitors cannot park onsite and will need to walk, cycle, or take the park and ride on the day from Westbury. Blue Badge holders can pre-book their onsite parking to ensure convenient access.

Event Schedule

What's On Location Time
FIRST RACE Trackside 11.00am
HAAF Scout Helicoper Arrives Outside Arena 11.00am
DJ Griff Main Stage 11.15am-12.15pm
DJ Biggie Tallz Main Stage 12.15pm - 1.20pm
Blades of Glory Winners Ceremony Main Stage 1.20pm - 1.30pm
SECOND RACE Trackside 01:00pm
DJ Fly Fox Main Stage 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Red Devils Parachute Display Outside Arena 2.00pm
Stone Cold Hustle Main Stage 3.00pm - 4.00pm
THIRD RACE Trackside 03.00pm
Brakelight Main Stage 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Winner's Ceremony Main Stage 05.30pm

Course Stats

The Steepest and Most Challenging Course in the UK, winding (hurtling) down the picturesque chalk escarpment above Westbury, Wiltshire

Course Length
400 Metres
Average Gradient
8.4%
Max Gradient
18.4%
Top Speed
50kph

Travel & Parking (Park & Ride)

For the ease and convenience of all, visitors this year will be kindly requested to use the Park and Ride hubs:

  • White Horse Health Centre - BA13 3FQ
  • Football Club - BA13 3AF
  • More hubs will be confirmed

Buses will run all day from 9.30am to 6:00pm. The last bus leaves the venue at 7.30pm.

Park and ride buses will be £5 per adult and FREE for children. That includes parking all day as well as the return bus journey. 

Well behaved dogs on leads will be allowed on the buses. No open food or drink will be allowed on buses.

Disabled Access

Blue Badge parking will be available onsite - badges must be displayed. Two special mobility buses will be provided for those without blue badges that require tailored transport. These will run all day from the park and ride fields. 

There is no cost for the mobility buses.

More information can be found at Accessibility FAQs.

Please contact us to apply for a Disabled Parking Pass.

Things to Do

Attractions & Entertainment

First Soapbox Race - 11am Second Soapbox Race - 1pm Third Soapbox Race - 3pm Live Music The Glitter Temple Wandering Wall The Red Devils

STEM Fair

Wiltshire Council Highways and Transport James Dyson Foundation Institution of Engineering Designers University of Bath M Group Highways

On the big day, the spacious event field, soapbox track, live music Stage, STEM area, food court and bar all combine to create an inclusive community event for the whole family, with a distinctly festival like atmosphere. While daring racers hurtle down the steepest course in the UK in their custom-built carts, friends gather to share a bite to eat and a drink and children engage in fun STEM activities to stretch their problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

The White Horse Soapbox Derby is situated on an Iron age Hill Fort, an early example of historical engineering. The stunning views across Wiltshire, stretch all the way to the Mendip and Cotswold hills so that visitors feel like they are on top of the world.

Because Westbury and the surrounding area is so beautiful, we aim to set a good example for the next generation when it comes to being environmentally aware. We encourage participants to approach engineering and trading from an environmental perspective, both in terms of climate and the way we design, produce and consume things within our society.

Teams Behind the Scenes

Join our teams behind scenes as they build up to the big day. Whose build will come out on top?

Check Out Last Years Winners

See who were the winners and losers in 2024.

Apply for a Disabled Parking Pass

Please contact us if you need a disabled parking pass.