Bradford Soapbox race to show off new pedestrianised city centre
"Usually we get about 15,000 people on average; the biggest year so far was 17,000," said Mr Noble."Weather allowing, we're expecting - with Bradford being the UK City of Culture and the feel-good factor - to get towards the 20,000 mark this year. "Mr Noble said the event played an important role in supporting city centre businesses, with spectators spending in shops, cafés and restaurants.He said: "The event's held on a Sunday purposefully to drive that much-needed footfall.He conceded "the Transforming Cities work going on last year... was quite disruptive", but suggested the newly pedestrianised city centre could make this year's event more popular than ever before . He said the starting point for the race track would remain at the top of Kirkgate, continuing on to Bank Street. But instead of turning back along Tyrrel Street, this year it will run towards Market Street - one of the key pedestrianised thoroughfares - towards a new finishing line. There will also be a slalom section, he added, urging any last-minute participants to sign up to the race. "We are still welcoming karts. We've still got a few places left. Go on to the BID website and have a look on the events page," he said.
The first Soapbox Challenge was held in Bradford in 2022."It's great news we'll be returning to Bradford for a fourth year," said Andrew Pearson, marketing director for the event for which Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity partner."It's all about team spirit, raising money for great causes, and enjoying the excitement of the race."Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
Former RBS bank in Swallownest to be converted into home
Plans to convert a former bank into shared accommodation have been approved, despite opposition from residents over parking, noise and proposal for 43 High Street, in Swallownest, near Rotherham, will see the vacant building transformed into an eight-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO).Each room will have its own en-suite bathroom while a shared kitchen and living facilities will be provided, according to the application. Rotherham Council's planning committee approved the application at a meeting on Wednesday, after officers advised its location and residential character meant the change of use was acceptable. The scheme includes reinstating front boundary railings, creating cycle and bin storage and providing three off-street parking spaces to the rear. The building – originally two homes before being converted into a bank in the 1970s – has stood empty since the RBS branch closed in residents objected to the plans, raising concerns about the pressure on parking, the potential for increased noise, and the impact on the character of the area.A statement from the applicant read out at the meeting said they had amended the scheme, and asked councillors to consider the parking and vehicle movements that would be generated from an HMO, in comparison to the added: "The property has been vacant for a long time. It's highly unlikely a bank will open in the property again. We are returning it to its original use."Council planning officers acknowledged the site lies within a designated zone where retail is preferred, but said the property was "not easily converted into retail use" because of its character and "historic use".Transport and environmental health officers also did not object to the scheme, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
King Charles III Coastal Path opens from Easington to Bridlington
The latest stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will officially open later marking the completion of the North East section of the 397 miles (634km) the path runs from the Scottish border to Gibraltar point in final section of the route, which will be unveiled by officials, starts at Easington and ends in to Natural England, it will be the longest managed coastal path in the world when the entire 2,700 mile (4,345km) coast path is completed. The latest part of the route, which runs for 42 miles (68km), starts at Easington before passing a gas terminal, clay cliffs and passing through Withernsea, the path runs past the former RAF Cowden site, through Hornsea and up the Holderness coast to Bridlington before it finishes to the north of the addition to the walkway, new fencing, signage and information boards have also been added. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
St Johnstone's Kirk attracting attention
St Johnstone forward linked with move south, new Rangers boss backed and Hibs man expects team-mate in Scotland shirt... Portsmouth are linked with St Johnstone forward Mackenzie Kirk after Peterborough had a £500,000 bid for the 21-year-old rejected. (Sun), externalThe bidding for Kirk is set to go above £500,000. (Courier - subscription required), externalFormer Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel urges fellow Belgian Nico Raskin to ignore transfer speculation and focus on his Ibrox career. (Record), externalNicola Docherty backs new Rangers women head coach Leanne Crichton to change the mentality at the SWPL side. (Herald - subscription required), externalChris Cadden expects Hibernian team-mate Kieron Bowie to be linking up as Scotland's number nine soon. (Record), externalManaging director John Nelms describes the length of time it's taking for Dundee's new stadium to be approved as "approval". (Scotsman - subscription required), external
