THOUSANDS of people attended this years’ Billericay Soapbox Derby raising money for charity.

The event, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Billericay, celebrated its fourth year, with over 8,000 watching on.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Off to a flyer! - thousands of people watched on

Braintree and Witham Times:

Bright future - this camper van was a big draw

Braintree and Witham Times:

Celebrations - two superheroes share the trophy

Residents from around the area created their own homemade soapbox vehicles before racing them down a track.

Starting in London Road, drivers manoeuvred their vehicles around the course, avoiding obstacles and jumping over ramps. The team who reached the winning arch in the fastest time were crowned the winners.

This year’s event saw 30 soapboxes amaze the crowds with their designs, costumes, performances and histrionics.

For the first time ever, eight members of the public even had the chance to ride in two standard Skeleton soapboxes.

Crowds were entertained by HAPA dancers and performers, complete with a Cinderella horse drawn coach. Mabel Rogers also returned to sing on popular demand.

Funds raised will go towards the Rotary’s appointed local, national and international charities, with five being designated this year.

Soapbox organising committee member Peter Greene, said: “Despite the weather, thousands of people proved that this is an exceedingly popular event close the hearts of Billericay residents.”

Here are the full results

Student Category:

1st: Brightside Primary School with the Brightside Bullet Team 330

2nd: Quilters Junior School with the Q-Express driven by Wadeyman Team 308

3rd: Colchester Royal Grammar School with their Soapbox "Harold" Team 317

Corporate Category:

1st: Rotary Club of Billericay Town with SPECTRE - Day of the Dead Team 327

2nd: Southern Landscapes Back to the Future team with DMC Team 329

3rd: Waterhouse Cars Law and Disorder with "Bills on Wheels" Team 309

Wacky Racers:

1st: The Scrapper with Ghostbusters Team 316

2nd: Complete CARnage with the Hogwarts Express Team 338

3rd: Complete CARnage with their second entry Yellow Submarine Team 310

Best Constructed Soapbox was won by VW Down Under with "Bruce"

And the Invitation Challenge open to the public on the day was won by Sonny Lindfizzd. Sonny was not around at the Prizegiving but if he could contact us we will arrange for him to receive his trophy.

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