Final preparations are underway to a three-day festival aimed at highlighting Barrow’s attractions on land and water.
The Brilliant Barrow weekend has been organised by the town’s business improvement district, BAE Systems and Westmorland and Furness Council.
Sea shanties, traditional promenade fairground games, acrobatic sailors and a sand castle building competition all with a Victorian theme will be held at the Dock Museum on Friday August 16.
More than 15 teams from businesses and charities are expected to take part in the Barrow Soapbox Derby on Saturday August 17. Earlier events have seen thousands drawn to the town centre and organisers say they hope this year’s gathering will draw locals and tourists alike.
“Following the success of previous Soapbox events, it is great for this year’s race to be returning as part of the expanded Brilliant Barrow Weekend,” Jenny Fazackerlay, chair of Barrow BID, said.
“The aim of the weekend is to showcase Barrow as a visitor destination, with events such as the Soapbox Derby also delivering a huge economic impact to our towns’ businesses and creating a sense of pride within our community.”
The event runs from the top end of Dalton Road along a 340m course, finishing near the Townhouse at the bottom of Dalton Road. The top area of Dalton Road behind the launch ramp will accommodate the pit area.
Racing will start at around 10am as soapbox kart number 1 will set off racing down the town centre course using only gravity to set the first time of the day. This time will set the benchmark for teams to beat an array of hand-built soapbox racers speed down Dalton Road in Barrow town centre.
Along the course, a large-screen TV, located at the top of Portland Walk will enable spectators to keep up with the action and an accessible viewing area will also be located here.
Racing is due to be conclude at around 5pm and will be followed by a presentation which will take place at the finish stage with prizes awarded for a number of categories, including fastest kart and joker of the day.
Barrow BID was set up in September 2016 to promote and regenerate Barrow town centre. The scheme is funded by local town centre businesses who pay a levy based on the rateable value of their premises.
James Perks, head of future workforce strategy at BAE Systems Submarines, said: “BAE Systems Submarines is proud to sponsor the Brilliant Barrow Weekend. It will showcase Barrow at its brightest, celebrating everything that makes the town a perfect place to live, work and play.”
On Sunday August 18, the focus turns to Barrow quayside adjacent to the Morrisons superstore where a festival highlighting the town’s maritime links will take place. A stunt jet skier will be performing in the dock alongside displays highlighting nature and wildlife.
