Accrington town centre was transformed into a racetrack once again on Saturday as Lancashire’s only Soapbox Challenge of 2026 brought thousands of spectators into the town for a spectacular day of racing, entertainment and family fun.
The hugely popular #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge saw 12,000 people line the streets as fearless racers launched themselves from the event’s brand-new mega ramp at the top of Little Blackburn Road and tackled jumps, water blasters, and surprises before navigating the hair-raising left-hand finish onto Church Street.
With the whole event completely free to attend, families enjoyed more than five hours of racing alongside live music, dance performances, fairground rides, free facepainting, movie cars and entertainment throughout Accrington town centre.
This year’s Soapbox had a strong movie theme, with Jurassic Park and Thunderbirds-inspired carts among the eye-catching creations taking to the track.
There was also history in the making as Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Noordad Aziz, became the first sitting Mayor of Hyndburn to compete in the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge.
One of the most eagerly anticipated appearances came from the famous Chicken Run, one of the most successful carts in the event’s history, which returned to the course for 2026 with Accrington Stanley Women behind the wheel.
Main sponsors Hyndburn Borough Council also joined the action with their own specially designed cart inspired by the council’s food waste caddy campaign.
For the first time, competitors raced in two categories, with community groups and individuals battling for honours alongside a separate field of business entrants.
Mission Improbable took the honours in the community and individual category, with Casey Grice finishing second and Accrington Stanley Women taking third.
In the business competition, Baxenden Car Breakers raced to victory, followed by H&T Pressparts Blackburn and SB Tippers.
The action began in spectacular fashion with a piper from the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band leading the carts, racers and performers up Little Blackburn Road ahead of the first races.
During the lunchtime break, spectators were encouraged to explore the town centre, shop locally and enjoy food and drink while a packed programme of entertainment took over the main stage.
Performances came from The Helen Green Academy of Dance, Countenance, Dance Syndrome UK and popular local Ska band Blowjangles, while a spectacular Chinese Lion entertained the crowds before leading the carts and drivers back up Little Blackburn Road for the afternoon racing.
Broadway was also bustling throughout the day with fairground rides, while families enjoyed free facepainting and a display of American movie cars on Church Street.
The event provided another major boost for Accrington town centre, with thousands of visitors encouraged to explore local shops, businesses, cafés and Accrington Market throughout the day.
The celebrations continued after the racing, when the winners of Accrington Market’s free prize draw were announced on the main stage. Shoppers who had made purchases with Market traders on Friday and Saturday were entered into the draw, with prizes including a £100 voucher to spend at the new Accrington Market when it reopens in November, Accrington Stanley tickets and afternoon tea at Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa.
Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said:
“What an absolutely fantastic day for Accrington. Seeing thousands of people lining the streets, cheering on the racers and enjoying everything the town centre has to offer is exactly what the Soapbox Challenge is all about.
“The new mega ramp certainly added another level of excitement this year and, as always, our competitors really embraced the spirit of the event with some brilliant carts and plenty of memorable moments.”
Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Noordad Aziz, commented:
“What an experience! It was a real honour to become the first sitting Mayor of Hyndburn to take part in the Soapbox Challenge and I can certainly say the course looks very different when you’re sitting at the top waiting to race down it!
“The atmosphere throughout Accrington was fantastic, with families, businesses and community groups all coming together and getting behind the competitors. Events like this showcase the very best of Hyndburn and the fantastic community spirit we have here.”
Kate Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts at Hyndburn Borough Council added:
“The #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge has once again brought a fantastic atmosphere and thousands of people into Accrington town centre.
“It’s particularly important that events like this give people another reason to visit the town, spend time here and discover our local shops, businesses and Market traders. With so much free entertainment for families throughout the day, it was wonderful to see the town centre so busy.
“We’re delighted to support an event which brings the whole community together and creates such a positive showcase for Accrington.”
The #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge has become one of the biggest events in the town’s calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and bringing businesses, community organisations and residents together for a unique day of free entertainment.
Murray added: “A huge thank you has to go to everyone who made the day possible – our sponsors, racers, performers, volunteers, local businesses and, of course, everyone who came along to support the event. It takes a huge team effort to put on something of this scale and it was wonderful to see Accrington absolutely buzzing – and we’re able to raise funds for Maundy Relief along the way.”
All profits from entry fees once again supported Maundy Relief, the Hyndburn-based charity. Thanks to the generosity of participants and supporters, donations have already exceeded £10,000 prior to this year’s entries.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including Hyndburn Borough Council, Accrington & Rossendale College, Baxenden Car Breakers, Taylors Scaffolding, Scott Dawson Advertising and Financial Affairs.
The Soapbox Challenge will return next year – bigger, faster, and more exciting than ever!
For full coverage of the day, including photos, interviews and videos visit www.amazingaccrington.co.uk or follow Amazing Accrington on social media.
