Dozens of racers tore down a 400m-long run, competing for line honours across seven categories including junior, senior and industrial divisions.

Some carts were getting their first run in more than two decades - the last billy cart derby in the town was held 25 years ago - however others were crafted especially for this year’s event.

While the majority of competitors had incident-free runs down the hill, at least three carts failed to make it to the finish line. One cart lost both its left side wheels earlier in the day, while two carts collided and became entangled during the final races when one reportedly hit a seagull.

Neither driver was injured in the crash.

Event organiser Dulcie Dal Molin from Port Kembla's Red Point Artists Association described the day as "unbelievable", saying it felt like she had been "taken back 25 years".

"This is how it used to be," she said.