The annual Soapbox Challenge took place on Church Street in Accrington, bringing together thousands of people for a day of excitement, entertainment, and community spirit. The event, which has been running since 2018, has become a staple of the town’s calendar, and this year did not disappoint.
The day kicked off at 10am, with the specially constructed viewing area on Church Street filled with spectators eager to see the karts in action. The first competitor down the track was BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver, who was driving a kart built by North Lancs Training Group and themed as the famous Delorean from the Back to the Future movies. The kart was a hit with the crowd, with its sleek design and attention to detail making it a standout among the other entries.
The karts were a highlight of the day, with a range of creative and colorful designs on display. From the Minions-themed kart from North Lancs Training Group, which took second place, to the Thunderbirds-themed kart from first-time racers Mission Improbable, which took third place, each kart was unique and impressive in its own way. The overall winner of the competition was The Senator Group, with their kart Jeffrey’s Jet taking top honors. The kart was made and named in support of one of their colleagues’ sons, who is battling a rare disease. The Senator Group’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for the charity were truly inspiring, and their win was a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Among the competitors was Andrew Anderton, 104, who drove for the Accrington Royal British Legion. Andrew’s determination and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all, and he was a popular choice among the crowd. His participation in the event was a reminder of the importance of community and the impact that events like the Soapbox Challenge can have on people’s lives.
The best-dressed trophy went to Stolle Machinery, who impressed with their Fosters can-themed karts and costumes. The attention to detail and creativity of their design was impressive, and they were a standout among the crowd. The event also paid tribute to the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, with an amazing dance troupe performing a traditional Ukrainian dance, special Ukrainian flags to wave for the crowd, and a Ukrainian-themed kart entering the race. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the country’s independence and add to the festive atmosphere of the day.
All entry fees for the race will go to Maundy Relief, a charity that provides support to those in need in the local community. Since the event started in 2018, over £8,000 has been raised for the charity, and this year’s event is expected to take that total to over £10,000. The charity’s efforts to support those in need are truly admirable, and the Soapbox Challenge is a wonderful way to raise funds and awareness for their cause.
Leyanne Fitzmaurice, centre principal at Accrington & Rossendale College, was delighted to be sponsoring the event once again. “We are thrilled to be supporting the Soapbox Challenge,” she said. “It is one of the best events of the year, and we are proud to be a part of it. The event brings the community together, and we are grateful to be a part of it.” Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and arts at Hyndburn Council, was also impressed with the event. “The Soapbox Challenge 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,” she said. “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 shop local around the town.”
The Soapbox Challenge is a unique event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a fun-filled day of racing and entertainment. The event is a testament to the power of community and the impact that events like this can have on people’s lives. It is a reminder that even in these uncertain times, there is still so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to.
As the day drew to a close, the crowd began to disperse, but the excitement and energy of the event lingered on. The Soapbox Challenge is an event that will be remembered for a long time, and it is clear that it will continue to be a staple of the town’s calendar for years to come.