Coding roadshow joins #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge

By Scott Dawson Advertising

16 Aug 2022

market-hall_the-code-show-press.jpg

#AmazingAccrington's ever-popular Soapbox Challenge returns for 2022 on Saturday, 27th August, from 10-4.

It's expected to bring thousands of people into the town to watch the event and participate in the town centre programme of events - and watch more than 35 runs down the challenge itself from specially constructed pit lanes and viewing areas.

All profits made from entry fees will once again go to Maundy Relief, the charity set up to benefit the people of Hyndburn. 

An exciting addition to Amazing Accrington's events for 2022 is The CODE Show, a local coding roadshow that celebrates how 1980's Britain embraced the home computer. Do you remember the BBC B Micro, Sinclair ZX81, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64?

They're all available, plus much more for hands on experiences, a trip down memory lane and a look into the future. Come along to play on the games - and be inspired to get into coding yourself. Exhibits also on display include a Sinclair C5 and 1980's technology, such as a dial-up telephone and video recorder, that in the 21st century fits into your mobile phone as an app! 

25 gaming devices will be available and free to use within the Market Hall. The exhibition, 3 x 80" big screens and interactive computer stations are suitable for all ages and create an impressive display.

While having fun, you can also see if you or a family member have any aptitude or interest in coding. A pathway into a career in digital can be found with Sundown Solutions or Accrington and Rossendale College, who both have teams on site for the Soapbox Challenge and will be on hand for any help or advice. You can come down, have fun, and maybe find a new career or training course as well!

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, commented: "This is the first time all the 25 gaming devices at The Code Show will be available to the public, and there are experts on hand to show visitors everything from augmented reality to Pac-Man!"

Sameena King, market manager for Accrington Market, added: "What a great event to host in Accrington Market Hall. I encourage people to come in and see us and everything we have to offer - you can see if your kids know how to work a dial telephone, and get them into coding while they're there! You can also browse our pop up stalls, and existing market, shops and cafes."

Heath Groves, CEO of Sundown Solutions, commented: "This event fits in with our ethos of engaging young people, who might want a career in tech. We are working with Accrington and Rossendale College to provide training, so it's ideal that we will be there on the day to help!"

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, said: "There are a large variety of digital jobs available in Hyndburn, and while having great fun at the roadshow I hope people are encouraged into taking up these skills for themselves!"

Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "This sounds like a great exhibition and display, and something new and different for Accrington. Come down to the Market Hall to see it for yourself - and don't forget to Shop Local while you're here!"

Marlene Haworth, deputy Leader of Hyndburn Council, added: "It was great to discuss all the wonderful plans for the roadshow today - this will be a great addition to the day, and will be certain to bring visitors into our Market Hall to see everything we have to offer!"

Sponsors for the Soapbox Challenge include Sundown Solutions, Nelson and Colne College Group, Emerson & Renwick, and Financial Affairs.

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

Latest news

1

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes Royal Bowland Park street scene NEW.jpg.jpg

Bellway to build 183 high quality new homes

29 Oct 2025

2

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth - Representatives from the University's Business School, local SMEs and the IOEE

University of Lancashire recognised for entrepreneurship and supporting business growth

29 Oct 2025

3

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire BAE Typhoon ECRS Mk2 Radar

£8bn Typhoon order is great news for Lancashire

28 Oct 2025

4

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold The Mill at Conder Green

Award-winning Lancashire wedding venue and hotel is sold

28 Oct 2025

5

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm PM+M promotions

PM+M announces another 19 promotions across the firm

27 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event
Holiday Inn Hotel
Networking
28 Oct 2025 - 18 Nov 2025

November / December 2025 Magazine Launch Event

Holiday Inn, Blackpool

16:46 - 16:45

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

Beyond the Brand: Building trust through values and integrity

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
13 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

The AI Lab: E-commerce
Ai Lab ecommerce (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin