Latest news with #SuperSoapboxChallenge
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bradford Soapbox race to show off new city centre
A go-karting race showing off Bradford's new £43m pedestrianised city centre is set to attract some 20,000 tourists to the city over the bank holiday weekend. Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), hopes the Super Soapbox Challenge event on Sunday 4 May will bring record crowds to Bradford this spring. "With the new pedestrianised areas and the new layout of the city centre, we feel it's an ideal opportunity for people to have a fantastic day - but also have a wander round," said Mr Noble, who represents 400 firms in the city. More than 25 local businesses entered last year's race, with an estimated 15,000 spectators over the course of the day. "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. 'Pedestrianisation means more people walking - that means more money' 'Quite an upheaval': Is there an end in sight to Bradford's roadworks? People urged to return to city centre as works end
BBC News
14-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bradford Soapbox race to show off new pedestrianised city centre
A go-karting race showing off Bradford's new £43m pedestrianised city centre is set to attract some 20,000 tourists to the city over the bank holiday weekend. Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), hopes the Super Soapbox Challenge event on Sunday 4 May will bring record crowds to Bradford this spring. "With the new pedestrianised areas and the new layout of the city centre, we feel it's an ideal opportunity for people to have a fantastic day - but also have a wander round," said Mr Noble, who represents 400 firms in the city. More than 25 local businesses entered last year's race, with an estimated 15,000 spectators over the course of the day. "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 said: "The event's held on a Sunday purposefully to drive that much-needed 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.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bradford Super Soapbox Challenge date revealed - here's how you can take part
THE date when a popular Bradford city centre event will take place for a fourth time has been announced. The Super Soapbox Challenge, which runs from Kirkgate down Bank Street and onto Tyrrel Street - has attracted nearly 50,000 visitors to the city over the last three years. There were some doubts that the event might not take place in 2025 when organisers were calling for external sponsorship funding last November. But now they have been given the go-ahead and are encouraging wacky racers to sign up for the challenge on Sunday, May 4. This year, as Bradford celebrates its City of Culture year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. All of last year's competitors (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) Bradford's Super Soapbox Challenge has become a major Bank Holiday attraction. Participants build their own soapbox cart and race it down the giant ramp through the city centre, competing for the fastest lap time. Previous designs have included hamburgers, a 1920s theme, superheroes and a bat mobile. Last year, 23 teams took part in the event and it was opened by Danny Malin - of the popular YouTube channel Rate My Takeaway. YouTube star Danny Malin opened the races (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) Jonny Noble, Bradford BID's Chief Executive, said: "The Bradford Super Soapbox Challenge is not just a fantastic spectacle; it plays an important role in supporting city centre businesses. "Events like this bring thousands of people into the heart of Bradford, boosting footfall for shops, cafés, and restaurants. "This year, as we celebrate Bradford's City of Culture status, it is more important than ever to showcase what our city has to offer and create a lively, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. "It will also be a brilliant opportunity to show off the transformative public realm works in the heart of the city centre. "We can't wait to see the incredible designs teams come up with.' One of the carts in 2024 (Image: Steven Ward (T&A Camera Club)) Andrew Pearson, Marketing Director for Super Soapbox Challenge, added: "It's great news we'll be returning to Bradford for a fourth year. "Whether it's your first time competing or you're a returning team, the event is a brilliant opportunity for a fun-filled day out. "It's all about team spirit, raising money for great causes, and enjoying the excitement of the race. "We've got plenty of advice and tips for those taking part, and we're looking forward to seeing the creative entries from Bradford this year." Thousands come out for the event (Image: Faye Kenny-Broom) The event is free for spectators to enjoy, while entry fees for teams are £100 for individuals, BID-levy paying businesses, and charities, or £200 for non-levy paying corporate entries. Additional prizes include most innovative cart design and best turned-out crew. Teams looking to take part can sign up by visiting For businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities, or for further event details, get in touch with Andrew Pearson at The Super Soapbox Challenge Company: andrew@
