Soapbox race raises thousands for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

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The first-ever Super Soapbox Challenge in Nottingham attracted crowds of over 35,000 and raised more than £4,500

Posted: May 2026

28 teams took part in the race on 10 May in Nottingham city centre raising a total of £4,607 with donations still coming in.

LNAA CEO Karen Jobling said she’s extremely grateful to everyone who donated. “To be chosen as the charity for the first ever Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge was a real honour,” said Karen. “We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to the LNAA on the day.

“The demand for our services has never been higher, and this money will go towards keeping our teams of doctors and paramedics in the air so they can provide emergency medical treatment to even more people.”

The challenge was open to teams of five people who had to build their own soapbox using nothing but scrap and donated parts and race through the streets fuelled only by gravity!

At the start of the race the hand-built carts had to zoom down a four-metre ramp near the Brian Clough statue in King Street before crossing the finish line in Old Market Square.

Both corporate and non-corporate teams were invited to take part and make a £10 entry fee donation which went directly to the LNAA. They could also raise additional funds for the air ambulance charity or another charity of their choice.

Prizes were awarded to the winners in seven categories including Overall Most Innovative Cart and Joker of the Day.

The event was organised and managed by Nottingham's Business Improvement District - It’s in Nottingham.

Alex Flint, CEO It’s in Nottingham said: “Our strong relationship with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance made the organisation the ideal charity partner for our first ever soapbox race. We’re proud of how successful the event was, bringing thousands of people into Nottingham city centre for a day of free entertainment, and equally proud of our visitors’ support in helping the charity provide care across our county and beyond.”

To find out more about the life-saving work of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, or to make a donation, please visit ambucopter.org.uk/