Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby
12th July 2026
King Street, Castle Douglas
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Get ready!
Register for 2026!
Registrations for the 2026 Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby are now open! If you've got a bold idea, a wild design, and nerves of steel, we want to see it. Just fill out the online form to apply. Entry is free — but with only 50 team slots available, you'd better get rolling!
Built by hand. Powered by gravity. Driven by community Built by hand. Powered by gravity. Driven by community Built by hand. Powered by gravity. Driven by community
about the event
about us
The Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby returns on Sunday, 12th July 2026, rolling full-speed down King Street for an epic day of creativity, chaos, and community spirit. What started in 2019 has grown into one of the town’s biggest events, attracting crowds of over 6,000 and showcasing some of the most bizarre and brilliant homemade vehicles you’ve ever seen — all powered by gravity (and a small push at the start). The course is lined with hay bales, obstacles, ramps, and cheering fans, as teams race head-to-head for prizes in speed, creativity, and showmanship. Expect to see everything from giant bananas to mobile bathtubs, with drivers often dressed to match their wild designs. The Derby is a free, family-friendly event, packed with entertainment, local food vendors, stalls, and activities for all ages. Whether you're racing, spectating, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s one of the most unforgettable days of the year in Castle Douglas. Applications are open now — and only 50 teams will make it to the start line. Will yours be one of them?
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ'S
The event takes place on Sunday, 12th July 2026 in Castle Douglas. Racing usually kicks off early afternoon, with driver briefings and safety checks in the morning.
The race is held right in the centre of town — on King Street, which is closed to traffic for the day and transformed into a downhill track lined with hay bales and thousands of spectators.
Entry is completely free. There’s no cost to apply or race — just bring your creativity and a solid set of brakes.
We can only accept around 50 teams due to time and space restrictions. Entries are selected based on creativity, effort, and originality, so make your application count.
Absolutely not. This event is for everyone — from first-time DIYers to seasoned tinkerers. If you can dream it and build it safely, you’re in with a chance.
We award teams based on Speed, Creativity, and Showmanship — so it’s not just about being the fastest. Think big, build bold, and entertain the crowd!
Yes! It’s a full day out for all ages with food stalls, music, crafts, and loads of street-side viewing. Kids love it — especially the costumes and chaos.
Safety is a top priority. Every soapbox is checked before racing, and all drivers must wear helmets (plus gloves and long clothing are recommended). The course is lined with hay bales and monitored by marshals throughout the event.
Fill out the online registration form and submit your completed application. If your team is selected, you’ll be contacted with full race details and a registration pack.
Yes! The event is free to attend, and spectators are encouraged to come early to get the best viewing spots.
Castle Douglas is a small market town in Dumfries & Galloway, southwest Scotland, around 18 miles west of Dumfries. It’s easily accessible by road and surrounded by scenic countryside.
Most people travel by car. The town is just off the A75, which links directly to Dumfries and Stranraer. From Glasgow or Edinburgh, it’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive.
There are also bus services from Dumfries and surrounding towns — check local timetables for Sunday service availability.
Yes — but King Street will be closed, so allow extra time to park and walk. Designated public parking areas will be signposted around the town, and stewards will guide traffic where possible. We recommend arriving early to avoid congestion.
Yes. Selected teams will receive specific instructions in their registration pack, including where to unload vehicles and where to park team support vehicles. Access is normally available early in the morning on race day.
There are several B&Bs, guesthouses, hotels, and campsites in and around Castle Douglas. We recommend booking early — the event weekend can get busy. Nearby towns like Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright also offer good options within 15–20 minutes’ drive.
Yes. The town centre is fairly flat, and we aim to keep main viewing areas wheelchair-friendly. Accessible toilet facilities are available, and event stewards can assist where needed.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen (hopefully!), a waterproof just in case, and maybe a camping chair. The event runs for several hours and can get busy, so be prepared to stand or move around. Food, drink, and family activities are available on-site.
Yes. Roads around the event site, including King Street, will be closed from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM on the day. This is for the safety of competitors, spectators, and volunteers.
No, there is no parking allowed on King Street on race day. Please use surrounding streets or one of the designated public car parks marked on the event map.
There are several public car parks nearby, clearly marked with blue ‘P’ icons on the official map. Stewards will also be available to assist with directions on the day.
Yes, a dedicated disabled parking area is provided close to the event site and is signposted.
Yes. Pedestrian access is open, and residents are welcome to watch the race, enjoy the entertainment, and explore the food stalls and fairground.
There will be music, cheering, and some loud moments during the day — especially around race time. Activities wrap up around 5:00 PM, and roads reopen by 8:00 PM.
Access to homes directly on or near the race route will be restricted to foot traffic only during closure hours. If you need assistance or have special access needs, please contact the event team in advance.
The roads close at 6:00 AM to allow teams to unload, set up, and carry out pre-race safety checks. This ensures everything is in place and secure before the crowds arrive.
Yes — the Soapbox Derby has become a much-loved annual tradition in Castle Douglas, with thousands attending each year to support this vibrant community celebration.
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