The organisers of Aberdyfi’s Dafad Goch Soap Box Derby have donated proceeds from the event to a number of worthy charities.

Representatives from seven charities gathered on Friday, 30 October, to receive cheques from the soap box organisers.

“What a fantastic evening celebrating the success of the inaugural Dafad Goch Soap Box Derby!” the organisers said.

“On Friday evening, we had the absolute pleasure of officially presenting donations raised from our very first soap box derby to some incredible charities and local good causes.”

“We were delighted to welcome representatives from Aberdyfi Search & Rescue Team, the Fire Fighters Charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, Ysgol Penybryn, Tywyn, Ysgol Craig y Deryn, and St Peter's Church, Aberdyfi.

For organisers Lee Bishop and Louis Hiatt, the evening was about much more than handing over cheques. It was an opportunity to bring together the volunteers who helped make the event possible and celebrate what can be achieved when a community pulls together.

From those who helped plan the event to the hundreds of hours given by volunteers on race weekend, every contribution played a part in making our first Dafad Goch such an incredible success.

“Seeing money raised from a day of fun, laughter and soap box racing going directly back into charities, schools and good causes is exactly what Dafad Goch is all about,” they said.

They thanked “The Victorian Slipway for hosting the presentation evening and making everyone so welcome, Connor and Holly for providing fantastic live music and entertainment, Ian and Lisa for capturing the evening through their photography and giving us some wonderful memories to look back on”, adding: “A massive thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, competitor, supporter and spectator who helped turn a slightly crazy idea into something truly special for Aberdyfi and the surrounding communities.

“We are incredibly proud of what we achieved together in our first year, and even prouder that the event has been able to support so many worthwhile causes.

“This was never just about racing soap boxes down a hill. It was about bringing people together, supporting our community and creating something Aberdyfi can be proud of.

“And if you thought our first year was something special, just wait until 2027! Details to be announced in the coming weeks.”

The inaugural Dafad Goch Soap Box Derby in Aberdyfi attracted 8,000 spectators, surpassing the 3,000 expected turnout, when it took place in April. It raised £4,500 for local charities.