- #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge, Classic Car Show and Treasure Trail
- Date: Saturday 31stAugust 2019
- Time: 9:30am – 4pm
- Sponsors: Emerson and Renwick, North Lancs Training Group, Financial Affairs
- In collaboration with Hyndburn Borough Council
#AmazingAccrington’s biggest and busiest event ever is just around the corner! The much-anticipated Soapbox Challenge and Classic Car Show is expected to entice thousands of people into the town.
A road closure from the Property Shop on little Blackburn Road down into the new Town Square in Accrington Town Centre will create a 170-metre long Soapbox track for competitors to race down, using only gravity for fuel and speed. This year’s track will include jumps, water jumps, and children stood on the side lines squirting competitors with water pistols! As with last year, novelty prizes will be awarded to competitors such as ‘Best Soapbox Design’ and ‘Best Team Costume’ as well as the overall winner of the day, with the new addition of a giant speed clock.
This will take place on the same day as the Classic Car Show and the launch of the Rally Treasure Trail – providing individuals and families the opportunity to cycle / walk / drive / catch the bus following a map around town over the course of one week to be in with the chance to winan amazing prize! With a few spaces left for people to showcase their super, sports, vintage and rally cars at the event, it’s recommended those wanting to do so apply as soon as possible via the #AmazingAccrington Facebook Page.
Andrew McLaughlan, Financial Director at Emerson and Renwick who are sponsoring the event for the second time, commented:
“The longevity of our business definitely depends on the community at large; we want to give something back. We approached #AmazingAccrington with the idea to host a Soapbox Challenge last year because we thought it would bring something fun, new and exciting into the town. The event was incredibly successful with over 8,000 people coming into the town throughout the day and raising over £1600 for local charity Maundy Relief!
We’re confident that the success of last year will be reciprocated this year, there are thousands expected to attend and there’s been a lot of talk about it all over social media for months now. Our own soapbox has taken pride of place being displayed in our entrance hallway for the last year and we can’t wait to bring it out again!”
Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, commented: “Last year I said I couldn’t wait to see what this year’s event will bring … and was I right to be excited?! It’s going to be huge. From what I gather there are over 40 soapboxes entered in this year’s race and a full-to-the-brim reserves list. It’s already creating a buzz about town and we are really looking forward to seeing the streets of Accrington come alive at this year’s event.”
Gareth Lindsay, Managing Director of North Lancs Training Group, commented: “As part of our 50th celebrations we couldn’t miss out on being a part of the biggest event in town! Our team of apprentices have been hard at work on our top-secret entry and we’re really looking forward to taking part.”
Tim Foster, from Rallying with Group B, has organised the Rally Treasure Trail: “The trail, like last year, will be taking place around the borough – I’ll be bringing along a number of interesting cars from different eras to the event as well, including my Hyundai.”
Laurence O’Connor, Managing Director at Financial Affairs, commented: “After insuring the event for the last couple of years and as part of the #AmazingAccrington initiative, we wanted to give back and provide sponsorship for this amazing event this year.”
For more information about the Soapbox Challenge visit www.amazingaccrington.co.uk
To apply for the Classic Car Show email editor@scottdawson.co.ukor send a message to the #AmazingAccrington Facebook page.
