Burghfield Santas Box Kart Bash 2025

All in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local good causes, join us for a wild and wonderful family day out as fearless teams race homemade karts down Hermits Hill – complete with jumps, obstacles, and a splash-zone! Expect thrills, laughter, and a whole lot of cheering (full press release below). Why not get involved by entering a Kart, becoming an event sponsor or support your Community Events by volunteering. There will be bars & food vendors throughout the course, a big screen showing the race action in the Pits at Guide Dogs HQ and a fun fair.

Timings:

-Road closed: 08:00am-7:00pm

-Gates open: 11:00am

-Racing: 12:00pm-4:00pm

-Vintage tractor parade: 2:00pm



Get ready for thrills, spills, and high-speed hilarity as the Burghfield Box Kart Bash returns to RG7, the legendary home of the historic Auclum Hill Climb – one of the UK’s most historic, exciting and competitive motorsport venues.



With an open air cinema warm-up the night before, showing Wicked at 4:30pm and The Italian Job at 8:00pm (advanced tickets only here: https://boxkart.org.uk/santa-cinema) on Saturday 21st June, prepare your self for a fun family weekend!



On Sunday, 22nd June, the focus moves to gravity-powered racers of all shapes and sizes which will once again hurtle down the famous slope in a celebration of community, creativity, and (controlled) chaos.



The event pays tribute to the original Auclum Hill Climb, which began in the 1930s on a private drive near Burghfield Common. This iconic stretch of tarmac became a staple of British motorsport through the 1950s and 60s, drawing huge crowds and cars from across the country. It hosted everything from modified saloons to sleek single-seaters, earning a place in the annals of motorsport history for its technical challenge and competitive spirit.



First launched in 2017, the Box Kart Bash was created by the Burghfield Santas to bring racing back to its historic roots—with a distinctly fun, family-friendly twist. By transforming a stretch of Reading Road into a thrilling box kart course, they’ve reimagined the hill climb for a new generation of racers, designers, spectators, and supporters.



The Burghfield Santas are the volunteer group behind popular local events lincluding Burghfest and the Burghfield Santa Cruise. Over the past 20 years, their events have raised more than £350,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local causes—and the Box Kart Bash is no exception, delivering high-octane entertainment with a charitable heart.



Now a highlight of the Burghfield community calendar, the Box Kart Bash is the ultimate family day out. Expect handcrafted karts, wild designs, wacky costumes, and fierce-but-friendly competition, all in support of great local causes.



Event Highlights Include:

• Dozens of box karts racing to become Box Kart Champion

• A tempting range of street food vendors and three bars along the course

• Entertainment throughout the day

• Live commentary and a buzzing festival atmosphere

• Racing starts at 12 noon, with the podium ceremony between 4–5pm



The Box Kart Bash isn’t just for racers - it’s a brilliant opportunity for local residents to be part of one of the biggest community events of the year. Volunteers are essential to making the day a success and it’s a fantastic way to meet neighbours, make new friends, and be part of something truly special.



Whether you're building a kart, lending a hand behind the scenes, or cheering from the sidelines, the Burghfield Box Kart Bash is a must-see event that puts community spirit in the fast lane.



For more information, early bird tickets, kart entries, sponsorship or volunteering opportunities, visit: https://boxkart.org.uk