Soapbox racing makes Burnley comeback
Soapbox racing is making a spectacular return to Burnley after decades away.
The Burnley Soapbox Challenge, the first race of its kind since the famous Boxing Day races on Hammerton Street, will be one of the flagship events in Burnley's 2027 Year of Culture celebrations.
Taking place on Saturday, June 12, 2027, teams will race gravity-powered homemade soapbox vehicles down Manchester Road in Burnley town centre, creating a day packed with speed, creativity, entertainment and community spirit.
Organised by Scott Dawson Advertising in partnership with Burnley.co.uk, Burnley Council, Burnley BID and Burnley Year of Culture 2027, the event is set to become one of the biggest new additions to the town's events calendar. Businesses, schools, colleges, charities, community groups and families are all being encouraged to build a soapbox and take to the start line.
Entry fees will be donated to local charities Healthier Heroes, Blaze and Burnley Youth Theatre, helping them continue their work supporting veterans and young people across the borough. Organisers are also inviting businesses to sponsor the event as preparations gather pace.
Lukman Patel, CEO of Burnley Council, said: "Burnley is proud to host the Year of Culture 2027 and as part of the programme of events, I'm delighted to announce the Burnley Soapbox Challenge.
"It's exactly the kind of event that brings people together, creates a positive buzz around Burnley and showcases the creativity, engineering excellence, ambition and community spirit that our borough is known for. The fact that it will also raise money for local good causes makes it even more special. After all, the Year of Culture is about being inclusive and celebrating the uniqueness of our borough and people.
“I would encourage local organisations, businesses and community groups to get involved, whether by entering a team, sponsoring the event or coming along to support what promises to be a brilliant day for Burnley."
Murray Dawson, organiser of the Burnley Soapbox Challenge and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, said: "We're incredibly excited to launch the new Burnley Soapbox Challenge. Soapbox racing has become hugely popular across the UK and we've wanted to bring that energy, excitement and community spirit to Burnley for some time.
"As a company that has been based in Burnley for many years, it's particularly special to launch this event in our home town. Burnley is full of creativity, innovation and community pride, and this event gives people the opportunity to showcase all of that in a fun and memorable way.
"We're looking for businesses, schools, charities, sports clubs and community groups to enter teams and be part of history. Whether you're building a serious racing machine or something completely
outrageous, we want to see Burnley's imagination on display.
"We're also inviting sponsors to come on board. This will be a high-profile event attracting thousands of spectators and extensive media coverage, creating a fantastic opportunity for businesses to support both the community and a great local cause."
The event aims to attract competitors and visitors from across Lancashire and beyond, creating a festival atmosphere in the town centre while generating valuable funds for Healthier Heroes, Blaze, and Burnley Youth Theatre.
A range of sponsorship opportunities are now available, offering businesses the chance to align their brand with one of Burnley's most exciting new events while supporting a worthy local cause.
Teams interested in taking part can find full details, entry information and sponsorship opportunities at: www.burnleysoapbox.co.uk.