Up to 10,000 spectators are expected at a new family fun day to be staged in Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells.
The highlight will be ‘a huge soapbox race’ that will help raise around £50,000 for local charities.
The Crazy Jeans extravaganza will see 50 soapbox carts, each sponsored and manned by local businesses and community groups, compete in a day of races on Saturday May 5 in aid of Hospice in the Weald and ellenor.
A smaller inter-schools competition for 16-18 year olds will be held on the morning of the event.
Crazy Jeans will also be hosting a live music stage and food village plus children’s entertainment with inflatables, zip wire and a supercar display.
It is all the brainchild of Tunbridge Wells entrepreneur Garry Jeffery of Jean’s Kitchen and Wine Bar on St John’s Road.
He explained: “We’re hoping a lot of people will turn out to see friends, foes, business associates and rivals go head to head in the race of the year.
“I’ve always wanted to do a cart race in Tunbridge Wells and while we’ve got close to it before, the timing is great right now. The famous carnival that was much-loved in the town is long gone and I really wanted to bring all the businesses and community groups together for one big, amazing event that will really bring a bit of healthy and fun competition to Tunbridge Wells.
“The hospice is close to my heart after they looked after my mum Jean before she died and ellenor provides hospice care at home for babies, children and young people – previously called ChYPS – who I have been fundraising for over many years. They are both dear to my heart and are important charities in Kent.”
Nicole Piesse Turner, of promoter Chatty Hatter, said: “This is a really exciting event for the town and I hope a lot of its big and small businesses will want to get involved, it really is an event for the whole community.”
The soapbox teams will compete in time trial runs of the track, starting close to the top car park near the café and finishing by the boat hut.
The day culminates in a Grand Final with the four fastest teams in both the school and main races going head to head to find the ultimate Crazy Jeans winner.
The headline sponsor is car insurer Markerstudy, one of the biggest employers in Tunbridge Wells and keen supporters of local community events and charities.
For more details visit www.crazyjeansevents.com or email hello@chattyhatter.com
