Spectacular Soapbox Challenge draws 12,000 visitors to Accringon

The #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge has become a highly anticipated fixture of the August Bank Holiday weekend, and the 12,000 strong crowd this year did not disappoint as they thronged Blackburn Road for the best view.

The carts were ready to view from 10am on Church Street in a specially constructed viewing area. The very first competitor down the track was BBC Radio Lancashire's Graham Liver for the third year running, racing a cart built by North Lancs Training Group and themed as the famous Delorean car from Back to the Future, with Graham dressed as Doc Brown. Co presenter Parin raced against him in a cart themed as the famous NORI bricks, and even had a brick on her helmet.

The Back to the Future theme continued with a real Delorean car for photo opportunities, plus there were lots of things to see and do including a giant truck, a samba band, live music and dance performances.

The overall winner was the Senator Group, with their cart Jeffrey's Jet, made and named in support of one of their colleagues' sons who is battling a rare disease, to raise awareness for Jeffrey's Journey. Second place were North Lancs Training Group and their Minions themed cart, and third place went to first time racers Mission Improbable, with driver Matt Maguire. Notably the oldest participant was driver Andrew Anderton of the Accrington Royal British Legion, who is 104 years old. The Best Dressed trophy went to Stolle Machinery with their beverage can themed cart and costumes.

The event also paid respect to the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. The day is marked as a symbol of national identity and pride in the Ukrainian people's resilience. There was an amazing dance troupe, special Ukrainian flags for those attending to wave during the Soapbox racing and the entry of a Ukrainian themed cart into the Soapbox, plus Ukrainian food on offer to sample.

All entry fees for the Soapbox Challenge will go to local charity Maundy Relief, with over £8,000 having been raised for Maundy since the event started in 2018, and organisers are anticipating this year's fees will take the total over £10,000.

BBC Radio Lancashire's Graham Liver said, "What a day and what an event, this is the third year I've taken part in Accrington's Soapbox Challenge and it's different every time. It's such a fun day out!"

Leyanne Fitzmaurice, centre principal at Accrington & Rossendale College, said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the Soapbox Challenge once again this year, it is one of the best events of the year.

"People came out in their thousands for what is just an incredible day of excitement, entertainment and great community spirit."

Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts at Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "The Soapbox was named as a finalist in the large event of the year category at last year's Lancashire Tourism Awards, and you can see why. It really is a tremendous event.

"Not only do we get to see fast and ferocious racing, but the event also brings all areas of the community together to enjoy themselves and to #ShopLocal around town."

The Soapbox Challenge was sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of their 50th anniversary commemorations, Accrington & Rossendale College and Financial Affairs. You can find more information on the #AmazingAccrington https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/soapbox-challenge/