#AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge to draw 9,000 spectators

#AmazingAccrington's biggest and busiest event is returning for 2022 on Saturday, 27th August, from 10am-4pm! The ever-popular Soapbox Challenge is expected to bring thousands of people into the town to watch the event and participate in the town centre programme of events. The last event saw 26 contestants, over 9,000 spectators, and a flurry of family fun stalls, a funfair on Broadway and activities. 

The road will be closed for the event from Property Shop on Blackburn Road, down into Town Square in Accrington Town Centre, creating a 170-metre long Soapbox track for competitors to race down. There will be pit lanes and raised areas to ensure a good view of the soapbox vehicles. The track will include jumps, water jumps, and competitors will be squirted with water pistols! All profits made from entry fees will go to Maundy Relief, the charity set up to benefit the people of Hyndburn.

Competitors have been challenged to create a four-wheeled non-motorised Soapbox vehicle, using only gravity for fuel and speed. The soapbox must have a form of steering, the ability to brake and competitor safety helmets must be worn - aside from that, there are no rules … it's simply the first to reach the finishing line wins! There are over 50 entries so far, and the last event saw some spectacular entries with feathers flying. Graham Liver of BBC Radio Lancashire has designed his very own soapbox and it's one to watch out for!

Sponsors for the event include E & R Group, Sundown Solutions, Nelson and Colne College Group, and Financial Affairs.

Heath Groves, CEO of Sundown Solutions, said: "What a fun event, happy to sponsor an event that's great for Accrington and I'm really looking forward to see what the entries look like. Best of luck to all the competitors, we will see you there!"

Morag Davis, centre principal for Accrington & Rossendale College, commented: "We're really pleased to sponsor the event again, and the best of luck to our team who have been working on their soapbox in our workshop on campus. Looking forward to a fun day out!"

Nigel Fletcher, engineering director of E&R Group, said "It's a great event for all the family, and the community - and a great opportunity for local businesses to show what they can do, and have some fun!"

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, added: "The Soapbox Challenge is such a fun event for everyone, and there are loads of things to do around the town centre as well, making it a great day out!" 

Coun Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "I can't wait for the return of the Soapbox Challenge, it's always a brilliant, well supported event for the town. It's always lovely to see the town busy, and it really helps our local shops and traders to see so many visitors."

Coun Abdul Khan, mayor of Hyndburn added: "I think these events are fantastic for bringing people into the heart of Accrington to see everything we have to offer, while having a great day with lots of fun. These vehicles look amazing, best of luck on the day!"

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, commented: "The Soapbox Challenge is one of Accrington's flagship events. We always make it bigger and better every year, and we're all geared up to bring another fantastic event to town. We've doubled the number of entries, added pit lanes in front of the Town Hall to display the vehicles, and lot of surprises to make it a really memorable event!" 

More attractions are to be announced.

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

Photo caption: (L-R) Steve Buckley of Accrington and Rossendale College, Nigel Fletcher of Emerson & Renwick, Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, Mayor of Hyndburn Abdul Khan, and Sophie Smith of Sundown Solutions launching the 2022 Soapbox Challenge