Thousands of people lined the streets as Andover’s fourth SoapBox Derby hurtled back into town, raising money and awareness for local Down’s syndrome charity Raising Twenty1.
Organisers believe this year’s crowd was the biggest yet, estimating between 3,500 and 4,000 spectators along the 450‑metre course on the West Portway industrial estate on Sunday, May 31.
More than 20 teams, from local businesses to community groups and families, took on the gravity-powered challenge, each getting two timed runs down the hill between midday and 5pm.
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The derby is organised by Andover Community Events, a community interest company which puts on year-round events to raise money for good causes in the town.
In a post after the event, organisers thanked Andover for “coming together as a community and creating something special”, praising the crowd for the noise, cheers and atmosphere along the course.
Away from the track, spectators browsed stalls, grabbed food and drink and enjoyed family-friendly activities and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.
This year’s derby shone a spotlight on Raising Twenty1, a volunteer-led Andover charity that supports children and young people with Down’s syndrome and their families across North Hampshire and the surrounding area.
The charity offers early development groups, school support and advocacy, family support networks, inclusive events and parent training, and relies on donations and community fundraising to keep its services running.
As well as prizes for the fastest karts, organisers again handed out special awards including Judges’ Choice and a People’s Choice, decided via a live Facebook vote. In a separate online poll for spectators, the Me & My Dad Club kart was voted the most entertaining entry, attracting a big response from supporters.
Raising Twenty1’s own rainbow‑themed soapbox picked up the Judges’ Choice Award. The kart echoed the charity’s colourful branding, with a design focused on “raising awareness, raising inclusion, Raising Twenty1”.
Next year’s Andover SoapBox Derby has already been confirmed for Sunday, May 30 2027, once again on Hopkinson Way.
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