Up to 40 unpowered carts will hurtle down York’s royal street on Monday (26 August) as the Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge returns for its fourth crazy year.
The iconic event, which is once again supported by the York BID (Business Improvement District, offers enjoy hours of free entertainment, with Minster FM presenters Ben Fry, Laura Castle and David Green hosting the day and providing commentary.
The fun extends from Micklegate Bar – where local traders will offer street food and refreshments – right down to the finish line on Bridge Street, and a funfair across to Low Ousegate.
A surprise guest will open the event at 9.55am, and the final presentation of trophies, crowning this year’s champion, will be at around 5pm, after the last race.
York band Sisters & Brothers will perform live at lunchtime.
Grotesque cart
Participating teams are drawn from companies, organisations and charities, from a grotesque-themed cart from York Minster to a train-themed cart from the National Railway Museum.
Last year’s cart designs ranged from a solid box – not brilliant for visibility – to an almost steerable double bed from The Grand Hotel.
The winner in 2018 was a coffin-shaped cart piloted by York Dungeon for local homeless charity, SASH.
“The York BID Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge gives businesses on the street a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings – from great hospitality to wonderful food – and remind people who might not visit this part of the city too often why they should come back again,” said Marc Allinson, owner of the Artful Dodger in Micklegate.
““This is a superb day out for the whole family, and probably the wackiest race in Britain this bank holiday weekend!”
Executive director of the York BID Andrew Lowson said:
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This event is organised by businesses in and around Micklegate, and is a superb way of bringing local residents and visitors alike to enjoy many of the businesses on the street – we’re pleased to be able to support the Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge for the second year.