Embrace the bedlam as 40 karts take part in Tunbridge Wells’ Soapbox Stars 2022

There’s been a kart full of minions, a giant top hat and a massive pink pig.

One kart threw out flames and another had a mishap with some flares.

And now, after a two-year break, the fun and mayhem of the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox (@twsoapboxrace) is to return.

The fun-packed event, which raised £54,000 for charities over the two previous events in 2018 and 2019, is making a welcome come-back this year under the new name Soapbox Stars.

Some 40 karts are being pimped up as we speak, ready for the big day on June 25th at Dunorlan Park.

The Soapbox, organised by Nicole Piesse Turner of PR agency Chatty Hatter, has proved to be one of the most popular events in the town’s calendar, attracting thousands of spectators in previous years.

It involves businesses using one of 40 specially-built chassis and transforming them into wacky karts.

On race day, they’ll take to a track designed with help from North Kent College, navigating bends and jumps to reach the finish line in the hope of scooping a win.

And this year, the bedlam will be in aid of Hospice in the Weald, Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre and Nourish Community Foodbank.

Piesse Turner says the main aim of the event is to raise as much money as possible for the charities.

“Every single ticket sale, sponsorship and advertising goes towards putting the event on, which costs about £80,000,” she explains.

“This facilitates people to race on the day and raise as much money as possible through their karts for charity.

“Unlike other events where they give a percentage of their profits to charity, we don’t touch the charity money and everything raised goes straight to them.”

She says this year they have asked each kart team to contribute a minimum of £250 to Hospice in the Weald.

“Hospice in the Weald is one of the reasons that myself and co-founder Garry Jeffery, who no longer does it now, wanted to do this,” she says.

“Both our parents sadly passed away and my best friend just before the race started so it’s very close to our hearts.

“After that contribution to the Hospice, businesses racing the karts can then raise money for whichever charity they want.

“We’re suggesting to racers our second charity which is the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre.

“That’s another charity which was amazingly instrumental throughout Covid, where people struggling with cancer couldn’t get support because of isolation. They were just phenomenal.”

On the day, there will also be collections of food for Nourish Foodbank.

Piesse Turner says this year there will be Year 9 pupils from seven secondary schools, part of the Independent State School Partnership, getting involved in the races.

“That’s a whole new element,” she explains.

“Year 9 schoolchildren who will have built their own cars, their own prototype, will be racing too.”

There will also be a stage with music put on by Local and Live, talent acts opening the event, big screens to watch the races, and food and drink stands.

Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager will be cheering on the racers and Tom Swift, owner of Cluecracker Games and Wicked Productions, will be commentating.

“There will be things going on through the day which will be fun and captivating for the family,” she adds.

“One of the reasons to do it again this year is to help as many charities as possible.

“I’ve lived in the town all my life and for me this is about community and giving a bit back.”

Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children. They must be bought in advance, tickets will not be available on the gate.

For more see www.twsoapboxrace.com