Wacky, woolly races set for Tetbury this summer (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Wacky, woolly races set for Tetbury this summer

12:00pm Sunday 24th February 2013 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

TETBURY is set to kick off the summer in style with two weekends of fun this May.

Both bank holidays in May will see crowds flock to the town, with the second annual wacky races soapbox derby set for May 6, following by the long-running traditional woolsack race on May 27.

The inaugural wacky races were a roaring – if rain-soaked – success last year and saw armchair mechanics put together their own mean machines to race down Chipping Street to Millenium Green.

Tetbury Lions community organisation – which organised the event – recently announced the event would become an annual fixture.

The organisation issued a statement saying last year’s event had been a massive success – despite the weather.

“We will be delivering a much bigger event in 2013 with many more soapboxes promised and a pit area in the Chipping Car Park that will allow crowd inspection and the time to talk with crews and drivers,” it read.

Wannabe Lewis Hamiltons will be given a practice run at 10am with the race itself beginning at 2pm – with each driver getting two chances to reach the bottom in record time.

As well as the race, the day will also feature a mobile café, bar and the obligatory first aid tent to patch up any drivers who don’t make it all the way down the hill.

Later the same month hardy runners will strap bags of wool to their backs – weighing 60lb for men and 35lb for women – for the town’s annual woolsack races.

The tradition dates back to the 17th century when young men would show off to women by carrying heavy sacks up Gumstool Hill.

However, the modern race – which has been running for more than 30 years – is staged for more charitable reasons and raises money for local organisations including Tetbury Hospital and the Cotswold Care Hospice.

Teams or individuals can sign up to take part in the soapbox derby, with discounts for organisations or clubs from within Tetbury, at tetburywackyraces.co.uk

Anyone interested in taking part in the woolsack races can sign up at tetburywoolsack.co.uk