Pictures as crowds gather for return of town's soapbox challenge

Crowds gathered on Sunday (June 30) to watch teams battle it out to at the Nelson and Colne College Super Soapbox Challenge.

The event saw daredevil drivers take to the wheel in their handmade soapbox vehicles, in front of crowded streets in Colne.

The vehicles descended on Albert Road in a variety of shapes and sizes, with riders sporting an assortment of costumes.

The Safran Speedsters were the winners of the day, flying past the finish line, outside Tubbs of Colne, in an impressive 37.72 seconds. The team also took the gold medal at last year’s event.

Yes Properties Leeds LTD came second (38.33 seconds), Senator placed third (39.29 seconds), Pendle Slot Racing came fourth (39.82 seconds) and Pendleside Hospice came fifth.

Pendleside Hospice ambassador and Burnley FC player, Jay Rodriguez, even made an appearance to cheer on the team and its Ghostbusters-themed vehicle.

Pendleside Hospice ambassador and Burnley FC player, Jay Rodriguez, (middle) cheered on the team (Image: Pendleside Hospice)

Brierfield-based Browns Ladders and Ceilings came sixth and won ‘best overall team theme’ and ‘best-dressed cart’ for their ‘Snakes and Ladders’ themed cart.

The racing was not without incident with Devil’s Haircut Team Mancini suffering a brake failure causing a spectacular crash at full speed into the barriers at end of the course which ended their day’s racing.

Their consolation was winning the prize for the ‘best cart wobble or crash’. Team Whitmore added to the drama as two of their tyres exploded as they exited the four-metre high start ramp.

Fortunately, in keeping with the unblemished safety record of this event, no injuries were reported.

A spokesperson said: “We are so proud of our soapbox team. We placed sixth place overall and we won two awards.

“Best overall team theme and best-dressed cart. Well done team Snakes & Browns Ladders.”

As well as the soapbox racing itself, crowds also got to enjoy the artisan market with plenty of street food up Church Street and Market Street, as well as a funfair along Market Street.

A spokesperson for Colne BID said: “Just absolutely wow! The Nelson and Colne College Super Soapbox Challenge 2024 has been absolutely incredible!

“There are so many to thank, but we wanted to say a special thanks to the team over at Elisha House Recovery Community for their volunteers who came to litter pick the town afterwards today!"