INTERVIEW: Celebrity teams to be part of Lancaster's first soapbox race day

Monday, 13 March 2023 17:17

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A Krazy Races soapbox event could pull 20,000 people to Lancaster, say organisers

There has been massive demand for Lancaster's first ever soapbox race day with even teams of celebrities expected to take part.

Places at the exciting event at Williamson Park - where teams in fancy dress will build and race home-made soapbox karts down a hill in front of huge crowds - have already sold out six months in advance.

And organisers hinted that teams of famous people, maybe even local celebs, will be among the participants!

The Krazy Races event, held in partnership with the Royal Kings Arms in Lancaster, is set to take place at Williamson Park on Sunday September 17.

Organisers are hoping that 20,000 spectators will attend the free event.

LISTEN to our interview with organisers and participants in the Lancaster Krazy Races soapbox derby

Between now and the race date, 40 teams will be hard at work designing and building their home-made soap boxes with no engines and no pedals!

Soapbox racers have to complete the course in the fastest time possible, while wearing fancy dress costumes and after a pre-race performance piece!

"This event subscribed faster than any of our others," said Danny Scoffin from organisers Krazy Races.

"(At previous events) we've had ghostbusters cars, we've had hot dogs, we've had all sorts.

"Everyone can get involved."

At previous Krazy Races events around the UK, celebrities including TV presenter Maya Jama, YouTuber Chunkz and stars of The Real Housewives of Cheshire reality show have taken part.

So who can we expect in a soapbox in Lancaster?

"We'll keep it as a surprise for people who come down!" said Danny.

"We do attract the celebrities, and we do have a couple of teams for this one, with people coming down. Celebrities want to do it!

"So for the teams that are racing, they will be racing against different businesses, individuals, and maybe some celebrities as well."

Liam Mulligan from the Royal Kings Arms, said the hotel got involved to mark its upcoming 400th birthday.

"We want to put the hotel back into the centre of the city and be the heart of Lancaster," he said.

"So we came up with this idea, what event can we do where it brings as many people in Lancaster together...what better than a soapbox derby? What better than the fun and the thrills and the spills, and all the family coming together to see people fall out of race karts!"

On Thursday, Krazy Races held a launch event at the Royal Kings Arms Hotel, attended by Councillor Joyce Pritchard, mayor of Lancaster, event partners and participants.

North West Cancer Research and Six Connections, which helps people with their mental health, were announced as partners of the event.

Pictured below are Danny Scoffin from Krazy Races, Steve Farnan and Andy Wilding from Chorley Phoenix Flyerz Hockey Club who will be taking part in the Lancaster soapbox race, and Liam Mulligan from the Royal Kings Arms hotel in Lancaster.

Beyond Radio's Nathan Hill also met Hope Bear from official Krazy Races Lancaster charity North West Cancer Research. We hope Beyond Bear isn't jealous!