Brightlingsea Pram Race

20/08/2026

A little bit about the people behind the Pram Race ❤️

We’re a small community group that started less than four years ago with one simple aim: to bring a bit of fun, community spirit and excitement back to Brightlingsea.

We started with Brightlingsea Late Night Shopping, and have since grown to organise the Pram Race too. None of us do this as our jobs — we’re all volunteers, giving up our free time to fundraise, make things, organise, plan and generally do whatever we can to make these events the best they can be.

There are plenty of late nights, spreadsheets, WhatsApp messages and last-minute panics 😂

But seeing the town come together, local businesses get involved, people having a brilliant time and our events being so warmly received makes every minute of it worthwhile.

So, a HUGE thank you to our organising team and all the volunteers who help make it happen. And thank you to everyone who supports us, sponsors us, takes part, volunteers, turns up and gets involved.

These events really are a community effort — and we couldn’t do them without you. 💛

See you at Late Night Shopping! 🎄

📸 Lowboysdads Pics / Tony Lopez

17/08/2026

Pram Race winners 2026 🏆

🥇Team BK
🥈Brian and Paddy and Starlight Crossdressers
🥉5K Kings

Best dressed
🥇Yellow Shove Marines
🥈Bentley Boozers
🥉Pushy Sister in Laws

A huge thank you to everyone who took part.
See you again next year!

📸 Lowboysdads Pics / Tony Lopez

17/08/2026

This year's race was started by Les Herbert who took part in the Pram Race in the early 1980s.

For those who missed it, Les gave a speech on Hurst Green before starting the race off.

Next year, Peter Browning, who won the race in 1964 alongside teammate Eric Parry, will have the honour of starting our third pram race 🏁

Left to right: Councillor and organiser Kerry Pentney, Les Herbert, Peter Browning and Councillor and organiser Leanne Crozier.

16/08/2026

The Pram Race is over for another year and what a day it was! We had the BEST time, and it simply wouldn’t happen without our fabulous racers, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and spectators.

First of all, a huge thank you to our main sponsor, Pat from Brightlingsea Dental & Aesthetics Clinic & Colne View Dental Surgery who was our brilliant MC for the day, got stuck right in and even dressed as a traffic cone! 🚧😂 Pat’s sponsorship has also helped us buy much needed equipment to grow the event, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support.

A massive thank you to all of our stops who each generously covered the cost of the drinks for our racers:

- The Rosebud Pub & Seafood Restaurant - Brightlingsea
- Freemasons Arms
- Bistro36
- Ye Olde Swan - Brightlingsea
- The Brewers Arms, Brightlingsea
- The King’s Head
- Las Naranjas Sanguinas
- Railway Tavern Brightlingsea
- Brightlingsea Community Centre

Thank you to every single team who took part. The effort that went into your costumes and carts was absolutely brilliant - you gave us plenty of laughs and endless entertainment! 😂🏎️

A special thank you to Rob from R Butcher Surfacing Limited for helping us with the road closure equipment once again, and to Housevale construction and paving for arranging photography for the event and for donating our winners’ trophy last year, and to our favourite DJ Looney for bringing the tunes to the centre of town! 🎧

And, of course, a huge thank you to all of our wonderful spectators, both local and from further afield, for cheering everyone on and for every penny donated into our collection buckets. ❤️

Finally, a massive thank you to our brilliant committee and volunteers, who give up their time and energy to make these events happen. None of us are experts (and, let’s be honest, it might show!), but we all share the same aim: to bring these much loved events back to the community, create a brilliant day for everyone and bring plenty of custom to our local businesses along the way.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again!

🏁 The Pram Race will return on Saturday 14th August 2027!

But before then, we’ll see you at Brightlingsea Late Night Shopping on Friday 4th December! 🎄✨

Thank you Brightlingsea. You were brilliant. ❤️

15/08/2026

We have three cars still parked along the far end of the slip road to the council car park in Victoria Place. Please could you move them ASAP as we need the space for food stalls.

Many thanks

15/08/2026

It's finally here! 😁

A few notes for today...

Teams will be arriving at Hurst Green from 2pm for judging, so feel free to come along and watch.

There will be tables and benches by the food area, but please bring blankets or chairs if you would like to sit on the grass by the fountain.

Please keep the route clear for the teams and give them plenty of space as they approach each stop - not sure some of them will be able to slow down easily! 😬

We can't wait to see you all later!

12/08/2026

🚏 Stop Spotlight: Brightlingsea Community Centre 🏁🎉

After taking on all 9 stops, teams will cross the finish line at the Brightlingsea Community Centre, where the celebrations continue long after the race is over!

There's plenty happening throughout the afternoon, making it the perfect place for racers, supporters and families to gather and enjoy the festivities:

🎪 Bouncy Castles
🛍️ Stalls
🍔 Food
🍻 Bar
🎟️ Raffle
🎸 Live Music from 2:30pm

The Community Centre will be the place to celebrate the end of an unforgettable day.

📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
🎶 Live music from 2:30pm
🏁 Pram Race starts at 3pm from Hurst Green
🏆 Finish Line: Brightlingsea Community Centre

A huge thank you to the Community Centre and all the volunteers helping to make the finish line a fantastic destination for competitors and spectators alike.

12/08/2026

🚏 Stop Spotlight: Ye Olde Swan - Brightlingsea 🦢🍻

Ye Olde Swan is one of the official stops on this year's Brightlingsea Pram Race. Situated on the High Street, the Swan will be right at the heart of the action as 20 teams make their way around the 9-stop route.

Whether you're following your favourite team, catching up with friends or simply enjoying the fantastic atmosphere, be sure to stop by and show your support for one of Brightlingsea's best-loved pubs.

📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
🏁 Pram Race starts at 3pm from Hurst Green

A huge thank you to Ye Olde Swan for supporting the Brightlingsea Pram Race and helping make this community event such a success.

11/08/2026

A space has now become available, so if you would like to join the race, please complete the form through the link below. Please note, your place won't be secured until booking payment has been received 🙂

🤔Want to race through the streets of Brightlingsea in fancy dress, stop off for a drink at our wonderful licensed establishments, then launch yourself over an inflatable obstacle course to be crowned Pram Race 2026 champions? We thought so!

With limited spaces available, make sure to secure your spot now.

A huge thank you to everyone who has already entered. Based on your team names alone, we already know the outfits are going to be incredible!

Book here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17E1a5q-5dzLxdyMd7gtyQj3IShK-s660xvubU-E5-0I/edit

Please remember your place won't be secured until your entry fee has been paid 😁

10/08/2026

🚏 Stop Spotlight: The King’s Head 👑🍻

Sitting right in the heart of the town, The Kings Head is perfectly placed at roughly the halfway point of the Pram Race route, making it a key stop as teams continue their journey through the town.

Whether you're following the teams around the course or looking for a great spot to watch the action unfold, be sure to stop by and join in the fun.

With 20 teams taking on 9 stops, there's plenty of entertainment to enjoy throughout the afternoon as Brightlingsea comes together for one of the town's most anticipated events.

📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
🏁 Pram Race starts at 3pm from Hurst Green

A huge thank you to The Kings Head for supporting the Brightlingsea Pram Race and helping make this fantastic community event possible.