Soapbox Challenge returns to Accrington this weekend

Lancashire’s only Soapbox Challenge of 2026 is racing into Accrington on Saturday.

Families can enjoy a full day of thrills, entertainment and town centre fun completely free of charge.

The hugely popular #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge returns from 9am until 3:30pm, bringing daredevil racers, outrageous carts, live entertainment and plenty of surprises to the heart of Accrington.

And with free entry, free entertainment and even free facepainting, organisers are promising a brilliant day out for the whole family without costing a penny to attend.

This year’s racers will face an even bigger challenge as they launch themselves down the course from the top of Little Blackburn Road, racing towards a hair-raising left-hand finish on Church Street.

Along the way they will have to conquer jumps, water blasters, a few closely guarded surprises and, for the first time, a brand-new mega ramp which is already creating plenty of excitement ahead of race day.

There will be some familiar favourites on the starting line too, including the infamous Chicken Run cart. One of the most successful carts in the event’s history, with multiple victories to its name, Chicken Run will be back in action for 2026 with Accrington Stanley Women taking the controls.

Movie fans should keep their eyes peeled, with a special film theme running through this year’s event and Jurassic Park and Thunderbirds-inspired carts among those preparing to tackle the course.

Main sponsors Hyndburn Borough Council will also be getting in on the action with a cart inspired by the council’s food waste caddy campaign, complete with caddies incorporated into the design.

And there will be a little bit of history behind the wheel, with Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Noordad Aziz, becoming the first sitting Mayor to compete in the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge.

When the pits open and the carts go on display at 9am, visitors will also be able to call at the council’s cart to collect more food waste bags.

The action gets under way in style at 10am, when the carts, racers and performers will be led up the hill by a piper from the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band.

New for 2026, the racing will be split into two categories, with community groups and individuals hitting the course from 10am, followed by the business competitors from 10:30am.

At 12:30pm, racing will pause for 90 minutes, giving spectators the perfect opportunity to explore Accrington town centre, support local businesses and grab something to eat and drink while enjoying a packed programme of entertainment on the main stage.

The Helen Green Academy of Dance will perform at 12:30pm, followed by live music from Countenance at 1pm, Dance Syndrome UK at 1:15pm and popular local Ska band Blowjangles at 1:30pm.

Then, at 1:45pm, spectators can enjoy a special appearance from the Chinese Lion, which will go on to lead the carts and their drivers back up Little Blackburn Road ahead of the afternoon racing.

Community groups and individuals return to the course for their second heat at 2pm, before businesses race again from 2:30pm. The winners will be revealed and trophies presented from 3pm.

Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said: “We’re really excited for this year’s Soapbox Challenge, with plenty of new surprises and a real buzz building around our brand-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.”

The fun doesn’t stop when the trophies have been handed out either. At 3:30pm, attention will turn back to the main stage for another special announcement, when the winners of Accrington Market’s Soapbox free prize draw will be revealed.

Alongside all the racing and stage entertainment, visitors can enjoy fairground rides on Broadway and free facepainting from one of two artists in one of the Accrington Market cabins between 9am and 3:30pm, while a small display of American movie cars on Church Street will add even more to see and do throughout the day.

To learn more, visit www.amazingaccrington.co.uk