CROWDS were out in full force on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday to see a madcap soap box derby event in Tetbury.

The Wacky Races on May 5 saw twenty five madcap carts whiz and crash around a course starting at the Chipping car park that included an insane hairpin turn and an exhilarating downhill finish.

For the adults, first place was clinched by Steve Thomas who drove C12, a lightweight carbon fibre cart that cost a whopping ten thousand pounds and Jessica Willcox of team Willcox Transport took the junior crown.

The ‘Spirit of the Event’ award which given to the most charismatic team went to Jerry Parry whose was applauded for his tank style cart and military themed dress.

Keith Leaver, of organisers Tetbury Lions and who conceived the event, said: “It was a good day enjoyed by everyone. Thank you to all the residents in the area for being so cooperative and allowing us to have this day in Tetbury. And the Duchy Home Farm for providing hay bales.”

The driver of each team that completed all three runs was awarded a Wacky Races medal, whilst the winning team and the team submitting the soapbox, was given a shield.

Ross Hampton who attended the event with his wife Donna and two young daughters Liara and Lexie praised the Wacky Races.

He said: “It is just good fun, as well as the whole cart racing it is a great place to take families and have a day out.

Ross added that he thought that the event could be improved by having more alcohol in different areas, a disco and dancing girls.

Hundreds of people turned out to see the Wacky Races, which is in its third year, and were able to enjoy food and drink on the Millennium Green which was provided by local businesses.

Andy Bryce of the Westonbirt Whizz Bang team which is made up of Westonbirt Arboretum staff , said at the race: “We have done it for two years now. It is a lot closer this year. People are getting faster compared to last year.”