CHILDREN and adults will be saying ready, steady, go as a soapbox derby will take to the streets of Chippenham.

Organised by the Chippenham BID and Chippenham Town Council, the inaugural event promises to see thrills and spills as competitors race from the bottom of Market Place, through the High Street and onto The Bridge.

Simon Philpott, manager of the Chippenham BID, said: “Out of all the fantastic events we are hosting this year I think this is my favourite because it brings together businesses, schools, the public, the whole community for something that is both fun and competitive.”

Teams of up to four will be required to hand build a non-powered kart which they will have to navigate through a course while going as fast as they can.

Judges will not only be assessing the speed of the soapbox they’ll also be checking creative criteria and showmanship on the day.

Richard Williams, Wiltshire Council’s locality youth facilitator for Chippenham, Corsham and Malmesbury community areas, said:“It is truly fantastic to see Chippenham Connected bridging the gap between the youth of the town and local businesses; engaging them with such a fun project and overall event.

“This is something new and exciting for Chippenham and on behalf of the Local Youth Network, we are excited to be a part of it.”

Entries for the race will close on June 9 and the racing action itself will take place between 11am-4pm on June 25.

Debbie Williams of John Williams Heating Services said: “We’re really excited to be sponsoring this event.

“Chippenham has so much talent and this is a great opportunity for people to create a kart and take part in a really special day.”

For more details, visit www.chippenhamconnected.com/whats-on/soap-box-derby.aspx