London is set for another dose of gloriously chaotic entertainment this summer as the Red Bull Soapbox Race makes its triumphant return to Alexandra Palace. After a year's hiatus, the beloved event where amateur engineers pit their wacky homemade vehicles against a challenging downhill course is back for 2026.
Date, Tickets and Event Details
The madcap spectacle is scheduled for Saturday 20 June 2026. Tickets are already on sale, with pricing set at £23.50 for under-25s and £34.50 for those aged 26 and over. Dedicated wheelchair-accessible passes are also available. Organisers are urging fans to book early, as tickets for the 2024 event sold out completely. While children are welcome, any attendee under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Beyond the main race, the event site will transform into a lively festival hub with plenty of atmosphere and activities, ensuring a full day out for all the family.
How to Enter Your Own Soapbox Creation
For those who find spectating too tame, there is a chance to become part of the action. Applications are open for teams wishing to enter their own custom-built soapbox karts. The crucial deadline for entries is 1 March 2026, and Red Bull will only consider applications for fully completed vehicles. A total of 60 teams will be selected to compete. Full entry requirements and application details can be found on the official Red Bull website.
What to Expect on Race Day
This event falls firmly into the category of spectacular, creative failure. Teams have had two years to prepare since the last race in 2024, so expectations for ingenuity are high. Past races have featured everything from rickety bathtubs and food-shaped go-karts to elaborate plywood minivans, all hurtling down the Ally Pally hill and attempting to navigate a series of obstacles designed to test their limits.
The return of the Red Bull Soapbox Race promises a unique summer Saturday packed with laughter, ingenuity, and unforgettable moments of DIY derring-do in North London.
