This year's Ashby Soapbox Derby will include some new features - including a big screen to improve viewing for spectators in Market Street.

The Derby returns for a second year tomorrow (Sunday), 12 months after thousands came to Ashby town centre to see the wide variety of vehicles built specially for the day.

Again, the free Ashby BID organised event has attracted around 40 entrants.

But there will be alterations to the course to make it even more exciting, and local businesses are also alert to the fact that there will be a lot more customers than there would be on a Sunday.

Stuart Benson, of Ashby BID, is anticipating another successful event and he told Ashby Nub News what people can expect.

He said: "We've made some tweaks to this year's event.

"There'll be a starting ramp on Market Street this year, whether all the teams will be confident enough to come off the ramp, remains to be seen.

"It's up to them - we'll give it to them as an option to a push start, but we'll see who's brave enough to use the ramp for the additional speed.

"We'll also have a large screen which will help people view the event. That'll be around the corner of Brook Street and it'll be raised so that people can see more of the event. Last year, they were 10 deep on Market Street, so this will help this year with some of the viewing issues.

"Also, there's a second kicker ramp this year, we want to see some thrills and that's what the crowds love to see.

There were huge crowds at last year's event

"Some of the soapboxes have been very creative again and it should be a real spectacle once more."

Stuart says there will be an appearance from a 'mystery guest' who has been teased on social media and will be revealed during the Derby.

He added: "It's something we've been working on for a while, so we're looking forward to that.

"But it's great to see it back. It was something that the town really got behind last year, plus the businesses are responding as well.

"They got caught out by the size of the event last year and so we'll have cafes open for business and the pubs will be heaving too.

"It's an event that brings people together and brings a lot of money into the town.

"This is something different and quite unique."

Hilltop Dads have returned to the event with a log flume-themed vehicle. Photo: Supplied

Among last year's entrants were the Hilltop Dads who were raising money for Team Alfred.

They will be back with a heavier kart, bigger team and what they say is a 'fresh idea'.

This time, they have developed a log flume-themed soap box called 'SplASHBY Canyon' with three working sprayers.

You can find details of Team Alfred HERE.