Some of the 'wacky' karts of Barrow's Soapbox Derby 2024

Thousands are expected to flock to the town centre for Barrow's annual Barrow Soapbox Derby.

Karts of all shapes, sizes and themes have been created by local organisations which have been working incredibly hard to get them ready in time .

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Last year, Coastline Brewery took the top spot with the Wet Room Rumours not far behind at 0.1 seconds - Love Barrow Families finished third. 

This year, 18 teams will be taking part and prizes will be awarded for categories such as the most innovative kart design and best turned-out soapbox crew.

(Image: Barrow BID) The Wet Room bathroom retailers are determined to take the top spot in 2024 and have been particularly innovative in their design. 

"It took us a week to build from chassis up," a spokesperson said, "and is constructed from only the products available at the Wet Room - from toilet pipes to plumbing fittings and cladding.

"After losing year by 0.1 seconds to Coastline Brewery, we are out for the win this year."

Click the image above for more local events (Image: Newsquest)

Oxley Developments are 'gonna need a bigger kart' with their shark-themed creation and Love Barrow Families will be showing off their final design on the day.

JJC Skip Hire has re-designed and slim-lined its kart from last year as in 2024 testament to being 'in it to win it'.

YouthAbility Youth Services' soap box is an orange formula one car showcasing the colours of the charity.

(Image: Barrow BID) A spokesperson said: "It was designed and built by Laura, one of our volunteers. The decals were also done by our partner charity, A Stitch Different.

"On the day our kart will be followed by some of our members, pit crew, who will be chasing the kart with their hand-made flags."

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"The soapbox is a great way to show the best of barrow bringing together both third section organisations and local business to entertain and thrill the town."

Organisations that aren't competing in the race have also found a way to take part by showcasing their support through their creativity. 

(Image: Barrow BID) A super cute racing panda sits in the window of Burrow's Tool Factors as well as a racer Paddington bear outside Toymaster.

 Rymans Stationery have also joined in with their stationery-themed cardboard van. 

Newcomer to the races is bathroom suppliers Build-a-bathroom which opened this year. 

A spokesperson said: "The kart took a few weeks to build. We are doing the wacky races, Penelope Pitstop, Muttley and Dick Dastardly.

"Looking forward to joining in with the day, it’s really good for the town. We're happy to be involved, it should be a great day."