Over 8000 people flocked to #AmazingAccrington on Saturday 1st September for the town’s first ever Town Takeover across the three events.
Accrington’s new Town Square, The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall and Accrington and Rossendale College were all alive with a flurry of fun and excitement as a Chocolate Festival, Soapbox Challenge and Rally Challenge took place.
Organisers, Scott Dawson Advertising, worked in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council and sponsors: Property Shop, Emerson and Renwick, and Hippo Motor Group, to provide a fun filled day for all the family … with resounding success!
Chocolate Festival stall holders included Choc Amour, serving all kinds of weird and wonderful flavoured Belgian chocolate; All Fired Up serving chocolate pizza; The Great British Cheese Company serving chocolate cheese; Ginception serving a delectable Chocolate Chilli Gin (created especially for the day).
Paul Williams, owner of Choc Amour, commented:
“I was pleasantly surprised with the turn out on the day! I sold out of over 300 products in just a few hours which is incredible. I know other stall holders sold out of product as well. For the town’s first Chocolate Festival it was great, and I’m looking forward to returning next year!”
#AmazingAccrington based clothing shop, Barbara Kay’s, held a stall inside the Town Hall. They commented:
“We had such a wonderful day! Not only did we sell more here than I expected, my staff in the shop on Whalley Road said it was a super busy day and the whole town was thriving! Much busier than a usual Saturday in Accrington. As soon as I heard about this I wanted to get involved, we all can benefit from events like this. It’s not just about selling things, it’s about being a community and I’m proud to be part of it”
Highlights of the day included a Soapbox Challenge race at Accrington and Rossendale College – the first of its kind in the town! 21 contestants came along with their hand-crafted soapbox vehicles ready to race, with CM Oxendales taking home the crown!
Visitors were also treated to rally demonstrations throughout the day from Group B Rally Cars.
Events Director at Scott Dawson Advertising, Zahida, commented:
“This year we wanted to introduce something fun and new to #AmazingAccrington that will entice people to come into the town and, not only create fun for families, but also increase footfall for local shopkeepers. The event was incredibly successful with over 8000 people coming into the town throughout the day – we are planning on making this an annual event and are already looking forward to next years!”
Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“Wow, what a day! This was a true Town Takeover with attractions and stalls based in different locations all over the town on the day. The live rally demonstrations were completely mind blowing and what a buzz they created up at the college! There was so much to offer, something for everyone to enjoy but for me the Soapbox Challenge was the best new attraction. I’m already looking forward to seeing what comes of the event next year!”
