Longridge Soap Box Derby may not run in 2026 unless more people are willing to step forward and volunteer, one of its main organisers has claimed.
Over the past four years, the Soap Box Derby has become a firm favourite on the Longridge events calendar, drawing scores of people to the town and raising thousands for charity in the process.
However, Emma Baines, who is one of the driving forces behind the event, said with some of the existing committee moving away from Longridge for reasons of work or retirement, more volunteers were needed to ensure next year’s event went ahead at all.
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She said: “The Soap Box Derby stands a chance of not running at all in 2026. We are losing people who cannot commit the time they used to and the reality is we cannot do it on our own.
“If we could create a pool of people who could help, even with small tasks, that would make a massive difference to the future of the event.”
Emma said she would running a sign up night for those interested in volunteering during Longridge Does Christmas, which runs on the evenings of 27 and 28 November.
She warned, however, that the Soap Box Derby was not the only Longridge event under threat from lack of support.
Emma added: “Longridge Field Day and Longridge Show are struggling for volunteers and desperately need to get more people involved.
“These events are what make Longridge the community it is and is a big reason why people want to move here. The problem is that people are not willing to get involved.
“People move here, or to the likes of Grimsargh, Goosnargh, Chipping or Ribchester for the tradition and community spirit these places have. But without getting involved and helping to organise these events, these events will not continue to happen.”
If you are interested in supporting Longridge Soap Box Derby, Emma can be contacted by emailing longridgeartisanmarket@gmail.com
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