Burnley gets ready to race as town launches its new Soapbox Challenge
Burnley is preparing to race in spectacular style as organisers officially launch the Burnley Soapbox Challenge, the first soapbox race to be held in the town since the historic Boxing Day races held on Hammerton Street. The event will form part of the Burnley 2027 Year of Culture, a landmark celebration of the borough’s people, places and creativity, with an exciting year-long programme of events that will bring communities together, celebrate local talent and showcase the very best of Burnley.
Taking place on Saturday 12 June 2027, the event will see teams race gravity-powered homemade soapbox vehicles down Manchester Road in Burnley town centre, creating a day packed with excitement, creativity, entertainment and community spirit.
Organised by Scott Dawson Advertising, partnering 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 Burnley’s events calendar, bringing together businesses, schools, colleges, community groups, charities and families for a unique day of competition and fun.
Importantly, the event will also support local community groups Healthier Heroes, Blaze, and Burnley Youth Theatre with all entry fees being donated directly to them to help continue their vital work supporting the veteran community and young people. Organisers are now calling on teams to enter and sponsors to get involved in what promises to be a landmark event for Burnley.
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 is 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
Healthier Heroes is a Burnley-based charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of veterans, serving personnel and their families through a range of support services, activities and community programmes. Blaze is a youth-led organisation that trains and creates employment opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to be the creatives of the future. Burnley Youth Theatre is a national leader in youth theatre and outreach with a mission to inspire and challenge young people to recognise their talents and raise their aspirations for the future.
You can view the Burnley Civic Trust and Image Archive at www.btchic.org
