Spectacular Soapbox Challenge returns to Accrington this August

The much loved #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge will return to the town this summer, taking place on Saturday 24th August from 10am – 4pm.

Free-to-spectate, thousands are expected to line the streets of Accrington, as local people and businesses go head-to-head to be crowned Soapbox champion.

As well as top prize for being the fastest, there will be other opportunities to take home silverware including for the best dressed team and the best designed cart.

Brand new to the race this year will be a two-level height ramp at the start line, which competitors will need to take on before facing the 170-metre long track with many surprises along the way, including jumps, chicanes, water pistols and much more.

Those wanting to take part are being urged to get in their entries, with over 30 carts having already signed up for the event which takes place on the August Bank Holiday weekend, which is being sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of their 50th anniversary commemorations, Accrington & Rossendale College and Financial Affairs.

One of the confirmed entries for 2024 will see the return of the BBC Radio Lancashire cart driven by Graham Liver.

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.

Alongside the racing there will be a fantastic array of food stalls for visitors to enjoy during an interval between the Soapbox competition, with everything from pizza and kebabs to ice cream on offer. This year there will be a longer break between the racing to allow people to #ShopLocal and #EatLocal.

There will also be entertainment for all the family including dancers and popular local ska band Blowjangles, in what will be a real carnival atmosphere in Accrington town centre.

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, added: “The Soapbox Challenge is back and we are more passionate and as excited as ever!

“We are working hard on an incredible track, which will include a much steeper and speedier start. That added speed will make for a fast and frenetic race, with entertainment for the thousands of spectators to enjoy.”

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

A spokesperson from 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.”

Businesses or people looking to enter the 2024 #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge, can find more information on the #AmazingAccrington website: https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/soapbox-challenge/