Amazing Accrington launch spectacular line-up of events for 2022

Amazing Accrington has announced exciting plans for an action-packed year of events in 2022, including the return of the much-loved Soapbox Challenge.

After the cancellation of all their events in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amazing Accrington returned with a bang in 2021, organising a stunning Christmas Light Switch On, hosting meetings for an exciting new East Lancashire Freight Rail Terminal, as well as an inspiring Futures Event which saw all Year 11s in Hyndburn visit the Town Hall.

It didn’t stop there, also organising a food bank collection in aid of Maundy Relief alongside Accrington Stanley and the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters’ Trust and the Accrington Stanley shirt giveaway to all local Year 3 children for the fifth year running.

But now Amazing Accrington is aiming to go even bigger and better in 2022, with a sensational line-up of events.

On Saturday 27th August, the eagerly anticipated Soapbox Challenge will return to Accrington Town Centre. In 2019 the event saw 26 contestants, over 9,000 spectators, as well as a flurry of family fun stalls and activities.

Soapboxes must have a form of steering, the ability to brake, and helmets must be worn, but aside from that anything goes – an old bathtub was even spotted in 2019, when crowds lined the streets, not just for the action-packed racing but also for the Rally, Treasure Trail and Car Display.

Places are limited so anyone looking to take part is urged to enter early, whilst businesses wanting to sponsor the event or have their own stall, are asked to submit their interest here.

Two months prior to that and Accrington will be transformed into the annual food festival (Saturday 11th June), whilst a sensational War Re-enactment including war-time vehicles and several surprises along the way, will also take place on the same day. Any businesses interested in sponsoring the event or being a stallholder should fill in this form.

Amazing Accrington are also inviting people to attend the event in 1940s dress to create a fantastic 1940s scene, whilst anyone with a classic vehicle is encouraged to get in touch via the following form to add to the wonderful display of classic vehicles which will be on show.

On the same weekend as the War Re-enactment and Food Festival, Amazing Accrington will also host the three day Accrington Beer Festival. In 2019, the Food & Drink Festival welcomed over 14,000 visitors, with treats to savour from all around the world.  

In addition to those hugely popular events, Amazing Accrington will once again be hosting an Education Summit (20th May 2022), Jobs Fair (17th June 2022) and Futures Event (6th October 2022), as they look to continue working with local businesses to showcase the opportunities available for the borough’s future generations.

Miles Parkinson OBE, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “What a group of people Amazing Accrington are. They put on some fantastic events in 2021, but 2022 is looking like it might be even better. If that’s possible!

“People have been asking me about the return of the Soapbox Challenge for quite some time now and we just can’t wait to see it back in our town on Saturday 27th August.

“It will be one of the highlights for sure and we encourage schools, colleges and businesses to get involved and get creative with their entries.”

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, said: “It is great to see the Amazing Accrington Business Leaders supporting our borough.

“The food festival and war re-enactment is set to be a spectacular event once again. In previous years it has brought the highest footfall and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our local shops and businesses to make money.”

Murray Dawson, chair of Amazing Accrington, added: “From food and drink, to career opportunities and of course the much loved Soapbox Challenge, we feel like our 2022 calendar includes something for everyone.

“In the past we have seen staggering numbers of people attending these events and we are expecting to see even more people coming out and enjoying themselves over the next 12 months. We love flying the flag for Hyndburn with Amazing Accrington.”

Check out the Amazing Accrington website for more details and dates on all these events.

Please note, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, the events may be subject to further change.