When is the 2024 Hunstanton Soapbox Derby being held?

This year's Hunstanton Soapbox Derby will be staged on Sunday, September 22.

Action from last year's Soapbox Derby (Image: Chris Bishop)

Thousands are expected to line the winding course which runs downhill from Greevegate to Beach Terrace Road, on which karts can reach speeds of up to 40mph. 

Winners from last year's event took to The Green for the official launch on Tuesday.

Charles le Strange Meakin on last year's starting line, with Stuart Dark and James Wild (Image: Chris Bishop)

Charles le Strange Meakin's Birkin's Boys, named after the 1920s and '30s racing legend Tim Birkin, came top with a best time of 30 seconds.

Mr le Strange Meakin shared the driving with North West Norfolk MP James Wild, with the help of a hefty shove off the starting line by former West Norfolk Council leader Stuart Dark.

Birkin's Boys (from left) Charles le Strange Meakin, James Wild MP and then council leader Stuart Dark celebrate last year's victory (Image: Chris Bishop)

"If you go back to the 1930s, anyone could take part in motor racing," he said. "Now you need tens of millions to take part. 

"But any shed fettler can enter this, so it's anyone's race. Anything can happen, and blimey - you might even win.

Action from last year's Soapbox Derby (Image: Chris Bishop)

"It's quite amazing building a few bags of bits and doing 40mph down a hill."

Pete Drew led the veterans' race, with a time of 32 seconds on board his cart Ruby - named because last April's event fell on his 40th anniversary.

Pete Drew taking part in last year's race with Ruby (Image: Chris Bishop)

Retired engineering lecturer Mr Drew, now 66, said his wife Tracey had gently talked him out of taking part this year.

But Ruby, who took him a winter to build, will live on after being donated to Hunstanton Fire Station, whose cart disintegrated after it hit the ramp last year and had to be carried across the finishing line by firefighters.

Team Eggy taking part in last year's race (Image: Chris Bishop)

Team Eggy, who won last year's Concours d'Elegance, will also be taking part. Team members were tight-lipped regarding this year's theme.

Soapbox races were held in Hunstanton during the early 1950s. The event was re-launched by West Norfolk Council in 2017.

Up to 60 karts can enter this year's race. Entries are now open. For details go to west-norfolk.gov.uk and tap Soapbox Derby into the search box.