A fun-filled soapbox derby, which takes over Trowbridge’s town centre every August, is coming back “bigger and better” this year, organisers have said.

Families have been hurtling down Castle Street in home-made contraptions for almost a decade and this year’s festivities – on Sunday, August 19 – are promising to be the biggest to date.

Soapboxes and their contestants will have a 10am start, Maryrose Mantle from the town’s carnival committee, which runs the event, has confirmed.

“It promises to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Mrs Mantle.

“There are more entries and more interested people this year. People are now starting to realise what a soapbox derby is and just how much fun they are.

“You can race down Castle Street yourself, or you can have a giggle sending a family member or friend flying down Castle Street.”

As each year goes by, the event becomes more competitive and this year organisers, who are leaving nothing to chance, are using a top of the range and professional timing system to make sure winners are accurately judged.

They have also enlisted the help of Scouts and their leaders from Warminster and Westbury, who will be bringing along their own soapboxes.

The soapbox derby is the brainchild of Nigel Hemmens, who sits on the carnival committee, and he will be on hand as a “mechanic” during the day, to help repair the makeshift vehicles.

To keep the event safe, participants have to wear head protection, long sleeves and gloves.