Accrington town centre anticipates return of Soapbox Challenge

Organisers of the 2022 Accrington Soapbox Challenge, #Amazing Accrington, have launched a full programme of activities as the town prepares to host one of the stand-out events of the year.

On Saturday 27th August, thousands of people are expected to flock to Accrington to witness the Soapbox Challenge, a free to attend event where competitors are challenged to create a four-wheeled non-motorised Soapbox vehicle using only gravity for fuel and speed. Each Soapbox must have a form of steering, the ability to brake and competitor safety helmets. Aside from that, there are no rules, it’s simply the first to reach the finishing line wins.

The spectacular 170-metre long track will include jumps and water jumps, pit lanes, a first for the Accrington Soapbox Challenge, will also be on show. All profits made from entry fees will go to Maundy Relief, the charity set up to benefit the people of Hyndburn.

Alongside the eagerly anticipated race, a full line-up of family fun entertainment has also now been launched in the town centre.

Main sponsors Sundown Solutions, Accrington & Rossendale College and E+R Group will all have teams at the event, while pop-up stalls will be located in the town centre including the Royal British Legion, Daily Grind Coffee, Peregrine Brewery, Proctor’s Cheeses, Inatube Drinks, The Finest Fudge Co, Mariyam’s Food Hut, Super Whippy and Working for Wildlife.

Local shopkeepers have also expressed their excitement at the return of the Soapbox Challenge with Cheryl Duffy from Hyndburn Independents commenting: “Last time it was the busiest I have ever seen Accrington. Our shopkeepers on Warner Street, Whalley Rd and in Accrington Town Centre can’t wait!”

Visitors to the event are also encouraged to head inside Accrington Market Hall, where there will be a fantastic range of existing shops and cafes, as well as pop-up stalls inside and outside the market. An exclusive first for Accrington, The CODE Show, a local coding roadshow which celebrates how 1980’s Britain embraced the home computer, will also be on show in the Market Hall including 25 gaming devices which are free to use, while one of the most popular exhibits on display will be a Sinclair C5.

With a funfair also being located on Broadway, there will be attractions for all the family to enjoy at the event which runs from 10am-4pm.

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “We are ready and raring to go for the return of the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge. We were determined to bring the event back bigger and better than ever before and we are extremely excited to show everyone what we have done.

“The interest in this year’s event has surpassed that for all previous Soapbox events and with everyone able to attend, free of charge, we welcome everyone to Accrington Town Centre on Saturday 27th August.”

Marlene Howarth, deputy leader of Hyndburn Council, commented: “The Soapbox Challenge is one of those events that we’re delighted to see return. It brings thousands of people to the town and there are so many wonderful attractions from stalls to the funfair on Broadway and we can’t wait to see everyone down here shopping local.”

Sponsors for the Soapbox Challenge include Sundown Solutions, Nelson and Colne College Group, E+R Group and Financial Affairs.

Check out the #AmazingAccrington website www.amazingaccrington.co.uk and their social media channels for more coverage from the event.