The May bank holiday weekend is finally here and one town in Greater Manchester is gearing up for a very special event.
Last month it was confirmed that a Lancaster Bomber would be flying over the skies of Stockport as part of the town's inaugural soapbox derby. The Totally Stockport Races will take place in the town centre this Sunday (May 28) and the event has been chosen to be part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flyover.
The Krazy Stockport Races will see more than 30 teams entertaining crowds and competing to have the fastest soapbox kart, and there will also be appearances from Robinson's Brewery horses, a giant digger for families to enjoy and plenty of food and drink on offer.
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Ahead of Sunday's flyover event and soapbox races, we've put together a guide covering timings for the Lancaster Bomber flight, where to see the races and everything else you need to know.
What time is the Lancaster Bomber flyover?
There are a number of flyover events taking place between May and September this year - all with aim of 'meeting the values and principles of the RAF'.
The Lancaster that will be flying over Stockport is only one of two remaining Lancaster Bombers in operation from an original 7,377, giving Stockport locals a rare opportunity to witness the most successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two.
The huge aircraft, played a major role in the Bomber Command during the war, and organisers are expecting thousands to come out to see it and enjoy the free-to-attend soapbox event.
Organisers have also confirmed the flight will pass over Stockport at around 1.05pm depending on weather and flying conditions. Crowds will also be able to watch the historic bomber pass over Stockport Town Centre three times.
Spectators will be able to see the famous bomber fly over Stockport town centre centre from the area covered on the race map (below), which includes St Peter's Square, Mersey Square, Stockport Plaza and the air raid shelters. Racing will be paused between 1-2pm to give those in attendance chance to grab some lunch and watch the flyover.
What are the Stockport Krazy Races?
Thousands of people are expected to head to Stockport Town Centre to support the 'krazy, wacky and outrageous' soapbox downhill racers on Sunday, May 28.
The event is fuelled by over 30 amateur teams who will be entertaining the crowds and competing to be the best dressed, have the best designed and the fastest soapbox karts. Competitors will have to navigate their soapboxes down the 350-metre course by successfully navigating a number of chicanes, obstacles and water challenges.
Teams have been created from local Stockport businesses and services and includes Stockport Gin and Shopblocks, who have fashioned their kart to look like a Fred Perry Shoe. As well as crowing the overall winner and runners-up, prizes will be given for best-designed kart, most entertaining team and best team.
Other entertainment on the day will come in the form of a giant digger in the pit area for families to visit, plus street food, and the Robinsons Brewery horses will also make an appearance. Spectators are also welcome to bring a picnic or their own food.
What route will the soapboxes take?
Taking place in the town centre, racers will launch themselves from St Peter’s Square, steer down the steep hill into Mersey Square, before a tight right-hand bend onto Chestergate and past the Air Raid Shelters.
Viewing will be through St Peter's Square, and down the track past the Stockport Plaza.
What time do the races take place?
At 10.45am, the organisers Krazy Kart will be sent down the track in a procession style, and will be joined by the Krazy Dog mascot and children's charity, When you Wish upon a star. At 11am, soapboxes will go down the track one-by-one after performing a 20 second music performance piece. There will be three runs before a final run of the ten fastest at 5pm.
Exact timings:
10.45am - Official event launch procession
11am-1pm - Racing Starts
1pm-2pm - Lunch Break
1.05pm - Lancaster Bomber Fly Over
1.15pm-2.30pm - Robinson Brewery Horses in the OCU Pit Area
All Day- OCU Digger in the OCU Pit Area
All Day - When You Wish Upon A Star Activities in The OCU Pit Area
2pm-4.30pm - Afternoon Racing
4.30pm-5pm -Top 10 fastest teams battle it out to see who will WIN
5pm - Awards
Will parking be available in Stockport Town Centre?
Stockport has a number of car parks within easy walking distance of the town and district centres. There is also parking for disabled persons that is free for up to three hours in Redrock/Merseyway Car Park.
Stockport Borough Council asks drivers to be aware of the following car park closure times. Vehicles will not be able to exit the car parks after the following times:
- Redrock/Merseyway Car Park - 1:30am Sunday to Thursday and 2:30am Friday and Saturday
- Stopford House - public parking 8am to 6pm on Saturday only
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