Trowbridge's button-bashing exercise game proves massive hit

The council staged a celebration event at The Civic Centre on Tuesday evening (December 5) with special guest Pete Saunders, a gold medallist at this year’s Invictus Games, joining the winners.

Debbie Wickham, manager of Stepping Stones, who won the Beat the Street community award, with Invictus Games gold medallist Pete Saunders from Trowbridge.Photo: Trevor Porter 70408-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Hayley Bell, Trowbridge Town Council’s head of service for leisure, museum and information services, said: “Pete’s presence added a touch of prestige to the event and further heightened the excitement and pride among participants.

“In 2023, Beat The Street proved to be a massive success as 6,415 people participated in the game and collectively travelled 78,497 miles. This averages out to approximately 12 miles per player.

“Notably, 74 teams registered to play, displaying a high level of enthusiasm and engagement from the community.

"The large-scale game offered Trowbridge residents, as well as neighbouring parishes, the opportunity to explore and become familiar with the local community area.

"This not only encouraged physical activity but also fostered a sense of community and connection among the participants."

Debbie Wickham, manager of the Stepping Stones special needs centre in Broadcloth Lane, Trowbridge, won the community award.

Other awards went to Walwayne Court School (School Total Points), North Bradley Primary School (Parish School), Avon Valley Running Club (Community Team), Stepping Stones (Charity Total Points), John of Gaunt School (Parish School Average Points) and The Kiwis (ommunity & Workplace Teams Average Points).

Beat The Street is a fun, free initiative that took place from October 4 to November 1 in Trowbridge and the neighbouring parishes.

For four weeks, the town’s 47,000 residents were encouraged to get outside and get active by running, walking, cycling or even scooting and skateboarding.

The game is open to anyone of any age who would like to take part, whether you are young or old.

It works by turning Trowbridge into a real-life giant game using special Beat Box sensors fitting to lampposts around the area.

The aim is to see how far those taking part can walk, cycle, run, scoot and wheel in just four weeks. There are great challenges to enjoy and prizes up for grabs.

Beat The Street was last played in Trowbridge from October-November 2020, when more than 4,300 players signed up within the first two weeks and clocked up a staggering 30,400 miles.

Here's the stats from this year's game:

·       6,416 people took part – 45 per cent of players were children (0-17years old) and 1,143 adults

·       64 per cent were female – 35 per cent were male – one per cent preferred not to identify

·       A total of 78,497 miles travelled, that’s over three times around the world and is an average of 12 miles per player

·       74 teams took part including 18 schools and 38 community teams

·       The Beat The Street boxes were tapped a total of 70,298 times (the box outside The Mead School was the most tapped with 8,567 taps)

·       2pm was the most popular time to tap a Beat Box, with Saturday being the most popular day.