Accrington Soapbox Challenge to return this weekend

The Amazing Accrington Soapbox Challenge takes place today, from 9am to 3.30pm, bringing racing, entertainment and activities to the town centre.

Murray Dawson, chair of Amazing Accrington, said: "We’re really excited for this year’s Soapbox Challenge, with plenty of new surprises and a real buzz building around our new mega ramp.

"We’ve got a fantastic day of free entertainment planned for the town centre, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Accrington for what promises to be an incredible day."

This year’s course starts at the top of Little Blackburn Road and finishes with a sharp left turn into Church Street.

Participants will face jumps, water blasters, and a new mega ramp, with organisers promising more surprises along the route.

Returning favourites include the "Chicken Run" cart, one of the event’s most successful entries, which will be piloted this year by Accrington Stanley Women.

The 2026 challenge will feature a film theme, with Jurassic Park and Thunderbirds-inspired carts among those taking part.

Hyndburn Council, the main sponsor for the event, has entered a cart based on its food waste caddy campaign.

This year also marks a first for the event, as the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Noordad Aziz, will become the first sitting mayor to compete in the challenge.

The pits open at 9am, giving visitors an early chance to view the carts up close.

Racing begins at 10am, led by a piper from the Accrington Pipe Band, who will march the racers up the hill.

For 2026, the competition will be split into two categories.

Community groups and individuals will race from 10.15am, followed by business teams at 10.30am.

A break in racing at 12.30pm provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the town centre and enjoy scheduled entertainment on the main stage.

The Helen Green Academy of Dance will perform at 12.30pm, followed by live music from Countenance at 1pm, a set by Dance Syndrome UK at 1.15pm, and a performance from local ska band Blowjangles at 1.30pm.

A Chinese Lion performance will take place at 1.45pm, before leading the carts back up the hill for the afternoon session.

Racing resumes at 2pm for community groups and individuals, with businesses returning to the track at 2.30pm.

The event will conclude with a trophy presentation at 3pm.

After the awards, attention will shift to the main stage at 3.30pm, where the winners of Accrington Market’s Soapbox free prize draw will be announced.

Anyone who makes a purchase from a market trader on Friday or Saturday will receive a free raffle ticket and be entered into the draw.

Prizes include a £100 voucher for the new Accrington Market, Accrington Stanley tickets, and afternoon tea at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa.

Elsewhere in the town, visitors can enjoy fairground rides in Broadway, free face painting in an Accrington Market cabin, and a display of American movie carsin Church Street.

The event is organised by Scott Dawson Advertising and sponsored by Hyndburn Council, Accrington & Rossendale College, Baxenden Car Breakers, Taylors Scaffolding and Financial Affairs.

Organisers have promised a fun and memorable day for visitors of all ages.