Accrington town centre set for action packed day as soapbox challenge takes centre stage this Saturday

Thousands of people will flock to Accrington this Saturday as the free-to-attend #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge returns to the town.

Taking place between 10am and 3pm, 30 competitors are making the final touches to their carts as they prepare for a fierce contest through the streets of Accrington Town Centre.

Starting on Blackburn Road and ending on Church Street, local people and businesses will take part in the event with prizes up for grabs for first place, the best designed cart judged by the Mayor of Hyndburn Cllr Mike Booth, and the best dressed team judged by #AmazingAccrington.

Alongside managing their cart's journey down the course, competitors will also need to take on jumps, chicanes, water pistols from the crowd and much more.

Sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council, Accrington & Rossendale College and Financial Affairs, the Pits will open at 10am on Church Street following a VIP opening, where visitors will get the chance to view the incredible carts taking part.

The action will get underway at 11am with Soapbox Heat 1, before a special interval at 12:30pm which will allow spectators to visit eateries in the town and #ShopLocal.

There will also be live entertainment between 12:30pm and 2pm including Brazilian dancers, a Samba band, local ska band Blowjangles, and a Ukrainian dance troupe to celebrate the 33^rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

At 1:45pm there will be a special announcement in front of the crowd from #AmazingAccrington, ahead of the second race.

The Soapbox action will get back underway at 2pm with Heat 2 featuring the fastest carts from Heat 1, before the winners are announced and prizes are presented at 3pm.

A funfair will also take place on Broadway throughout the event, as well as a wide variety of food stalls, while there will also be two free historic rides for children on the market.

With plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day, none will come better than the model DeLorean, which will be showcased throughout the event for spectators to take selfies next to.

Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, added: "The Soapbox Challenge is back this Saturday and we can't wait!

"We have seen some incredible entries so far and can't wait to see them all lined up in the Pits at 10am on Saturday morning.

"Alongside the racing, we have got a real carnival atmosphere throughout the day, with live entertainment, food stalls, a fantastic range of local businesses and much more.

"Make sure you get down early to get the best viewing spots!"

You can learn more about the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge here: https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/soapbox-challenge/