THE Farnham Soapbox race has become one of the most highly-anticipated events in town this year.

Many residents have been cancelling their plans for August 18, in preparation to watch 50 teams hurtle down Castle Street.

But where did the idea to hold a soapbox derby originally come from?

Well, it was all thanks to committee member Tony Dougherty’s son Tyla.

Then aged seven, Tony said his son was “absolutely obsessed” with soapbox racing on TV” and had asked his dad to attend a real soapbox race.

Looking online, the duo had plans to attend an event in Portishead, near Bristol, but did not manage to make it because of other commitments.

Despite missing the event in Portishead, Tony took to Farnham Rants, posting “Castle Street was wasted” and that the community should hold a soapbox event there.

Tony said his comments were “a bit tongue in cheek” and gave no real thought about a soapbox derby actually happening.

Despite doubts, the post had gained many positive comments.

Tony contacted Red Leaf Events Management, who spent “a good hour” discussing the ins and outs of organising an event.

Tony added: “I then contacted Lee Moran to let him know he had a new job on his hands.”

Initial meetings with committee members all shared the same mindset: “The importance of this being a community event and not about profit, with all members offering their time and much more for free.”

Keeping in line with the community value of the event, the team chose the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice as the nominated charity, Tony saying they should be recognised for the “amazing” work they carry out in the community.

However, what Tony described as the “easy and fun part” was now over and reality kicked in.

As the team wanted the event to take place on a major street in Farnham, a lot of preparation was needed.

Tony said: “Closing a major town-centre road – especially one that is already closed a number of times each year – is not easy or straightforward.

“Many people need to be consulted and satisfied.”

Tony also remained in touch with Portishead organiser Ben Knowles of Red Leaf Event Management, who offered his firm’s services, event consultants and management team.

Tony added they may now regret the offer as they have “spent many hours” on the phone and in meetings with his team.

“But they were most definitely the right partners to help us deliver the Farnham soapbox event,” he said.

The committee visited residents and businesses in Castle Street following a successful application to Surrey County Council to have the road closed.

“We gained some very valuable feedback and constructive advice based on past experiences of large numbers of people using Castle Street for events,” he said.

Then on October 13, 2018, places for the event went on sale. Tony described his phone as “pinging every few seconds” as more and more places were reserved and paid for. All 50 race places sold out in just two hours.

And now the event is just days away – the first Farnham Soapbox will take place this Sunday, August 18.

The races will begin at 10.30am, with 50 teams racing down Castle Street, all hoping to secure the fastest time.

The award ceremony will take place at 4pm.

The event is free, but organisers ask visitors place £3 in a bucket, to raise funds for The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.