Soapbox scientists to share secrets at free Burnley College workshop

Would-be racers who fancy taking part in the 2027 Burnley Soapbox Challenge but don’t know where to start are being invited to a FREE Build Your Own Soapbox Workshop at Burnley College. Taking place on Thursday 15 October, from 5pm to 6pm, the practical session will help businesses, community groups, families and individuals turn their ideas into a soapbox capable of making it to the start line.

There will also be 5 soapboxes on display, from a basic chassis costing £110 up to the Emerson & Renwick engineered Chicken Run cart. Experts from Burnley College will guide attendees through the basics of designing and constructing their own soapbox, including suitable materials, important dimensions and event rules, safety considerations and practical tips for building on a realistic budget.

Participants will be able to pick up tips from a team who already know what it takes to win. Scientists Mike Walton, Matt Maguire and Lew Wilde from the Mission Improbable team, will be on hand to talk about their unusual cart that has achieved first place in other events, and some of the ingenious engineering behind it. That includes building their own wheels by hand and making them tubeless to help their soapbox run faster.

The workshop is being held ahead of the 2027 Burnley Soapbox Challenge, which will see homemade creations racing down Manchester Road in Burnley town centre on Saturday 12 June 2027.

Lukman Patel, Chief Executive of Burnley Council, said: “The Burnley Soapbox Challenge is a brilliant opportunity for our local community to get involved in something a little bit different, while supporting three fantastic local charities.

“I’d really encourage the community across the borough to put a team together and have a go. Designing and building a soapbox is a great team-building challenge and a chance to showcase the creativity, skills and ingenuity we have within Burnley.

“You don’t have to know how to build one already – that’s exactly what this free workshop is there for. Get a team together, bring your ideas along and hopefully we’ll see plenty of Burnley entrants lining up on Manchester Road next June.”

Murray Dawson, organiser of the Burnley Soapbox Challenge and Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, added: “Since announcing the Burnley Soapbox Challenge, we’ve had people saying they’d absolutely love to enter but wouldn’t have a clue where to start when it comes to actually building a soapbox – and that’s exactly why we’re holding this workshop.

“You don’t need to be an engineer, mechanic or DIY expert. If you’ve got an idea and a bit of enthusiasm, come along and we’ll help you understand how you can turn it into something you can actually race.

“And we’ve got some serious expertise in the room too. Mike, Matt and Lew know what it takes to build a winning soapbox and some of the engineering that went into Mission Improbable is incredible.

“We’d particularly love to see Burnley businesses getting involved. Designing and building a soapbox is a brilliant team project and then you get the fun and the glory of racing it down Manchester Road in front of the crowds!”

No previous building or engineering experience is required. There will be advice available on creating a soapbox that looks as impressive as it performs, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to ask questions and get help with their own ideas.

Organised by Burnley-based Scott Dawson Advertising, the Burnley Soapbox Challenge will transform Manchester Road into a gravity-powered racecourse for a day of racing, entertainment and family fun.

The event will also raise money for three local charities – Healthier Heroes, Burnley Youth Theatre and Blaze Arts – with all team entry fees going to the charities.

Teams are currently being invited to enter the challenge, while sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses wanting to support the event.

The Build Your Own Soapbox Workshop takes place at Burnley College on Thursday 15 October, from 5pm to 6pm. Places are FREE, but booking is required via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/burnley-soapbox-challenge-workshop-tickets-2000408760452

For more information about the Burnley Soapbox Challenge, entering a team or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.burnleysoapbox.co.uk.

Healthier Heroes is a Burnley-based charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing 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.