A completely free-to-attend soapbox derby is coming to Stockport this May and those going along will even get to see a rare flyover by a legendary Lancaster Bomber.
With Totally Stockport’s Krazy Races returning to town, promising more fun and fast-paced action, the popular annual event is also taking part in the 2023 Battle of Britain Memorial Flights, nearly 83 years on from the historic World War Two date.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights take place between May and September every year, choosing to hover over events that meet the values and principles of the RAF, so community events like this are a no-brainer.
That being said, the people of Stockport will be fortunate enough to see one of only two remaining Lancaster Bombers from the original fleet of 7,377, giving locals a rare opportunity to witness the most successful RAF heavy bomber of WWII
More than 10,000 people are expected to rock up to town for the event and cheer on the 40+ local teams set to take part in this year’s Stockport soapbox derby.
ADVERTISEMENT
Starting at St Peter’s Square, the racers will launch themselves down the steep hill onto Mersey Square, slaloming through chicanes before hitting a tight right-hand turn onto Chestergate, past the town’s famous Air Raid Shelters and navigating 350 metres of track, obstacles, water and more.
The top 10 teams will make it through to the finals where they’ll battle to take home the trophy but this day is all about taking part and having fun, with plenty turning up in whacky costumes and really committing to bringing their soapbox themes to life.
ADVERTISEMENT
There’ll also be plenty of music and entertainment throughout the day, not to mention plenty of places for food and drink around the town centre. It’s going to be a great day.
As founder and director of Krazy Races, Sarah Belcher, said: “Competition for a flyover is very tough with the majority being over massive, well-established airshows.
“To be able to share this extra, added treat with the families of Stockport is a real pleasure. The motto of the Royal Air Force Memorial Flight is ‘Lest We Forget’ and we are sure that this special honour will help give the people who attend our event, memories that will last a lifetime.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The best part is this as well as being treated to a Lancaster Bomber flyover, the entire soapbox event is completely free to attend and is sure to live up to its name — Wacky Races step aside.
The Totally Stockport Krazy Races soapbox derby takes place on Sunday, 28 May and you don’t need to grab a ticket, just turn up and enjoy the comedy-filled karting chaos. You can find out more information HERE.
A Greater Manchester neighbourhood has been named one of the ‘coolest’ in the UK
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood in Great Manchester has been crowned one of the coolest in the country – and this time, it’s not Ancoats.
Every year, we wait with bated breath to see which UK neighbourhoods have made the cut in Time Out’s annual ranking of the coolest places in the world.
But, as it turns out, Britain is just so damn cool that we’ve earned a list of our own.
In its latest guide, ’11 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the UK’, Time Out has rounded up the places across the country that are really making a name for themselves.
Images: The Manc
And one neighbourhood here in Greater Manchester has made the cut, and although you’d immediately think of Ancoats that has made its way to similar lists before, this time there’s a newbie on the block.
Coming in at a very respectable fourth place, Stockport and the Underbanks received a glowing report in the coveted list.
Images: The Manc
Are we surprised? Not one bit.
We love Stockport for its flourishing food scene, cool community vibe and ever-growing roster of independent businesses – not to mention its brilliant mix of old-school charm and new-school cool.
It’s a place that feels like it’s constantly evolving, without losing the character that made people fall in love with it in the first place. And clearly, Time Out agrees.
Images: The Manc
Kyle MacNeill, contributing writer, said: “If you live anywhere near Manchester, you may have heard this one on the rumour mill: ‘Stockport is The New Berlin’. It’s a gag, alright: the humble market town hasn’t got a club, let alone the most hedonistic nightlife scene in the world. But it is true that SK is rapidly becoming the place-to-move-to for the Second City’s creatives, thanks to cheaper rent and some serious suburban tenacity.
“The Underbanks, a cobbled high street once home to hat-makers and hosiers, has been transformed into a bustling hub of forward-thinking vendors, while various local institutions have embraced Euro-style cafe culture, midcentury decor, sustainable fine-dining, small plates snacking and chic drinking dens. All of which, actually, come to think of it, is very Berlin… “
High praise indeed, you can read the full list of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods here.
Remarkable Lake District rescue of dog missing for THREE WEEKS
Daisy Jackson
A dog who was missing for almost three WEEEKS in the Lake District has, miraculously, been rescued.
Little Teddy went missing on 2 August, disappearing from his owner on Helvellyn.
Volunteers from Keswick Mountain Rescue Team spent the following weeks searching for the scrappy dog, with one eventually hearing him barking from Dry Gill.
The poor dog had got stuck in the gill in a dangerous location that required a full team of seven to bring him to safety.
Remarkably, Teddy appeared to be uninjured, though he had lost quite a bit of weight after three weeks living wild on the fell.
His rescuers gave him a small amount of food before securing him in a rucksack and carrying him back to Swirls car park.
The whole rescue took around three and a half hours, when Teddy was reunited with his very relieved owner and taken to the vets.
Teddy making his way down from HelvellynTeddy the dog was part of a rescue mission in the Lake DistrictTeddy was rescued after three weeks missingCredit: Keswick Mountain Rescue
Keswick Mountain Rescue said: “The team are absolutely delighted to share this update, as the news of this missing dog had deeply affected so many people across our local community.
“A remarkable outcome after nearly three weeks on Helvellyn, and a huge well done to everyone who kept searching and never gave up on Teddy.”
The mountain rescue team is funded entirely through donations – you can use ‘Buy me a coffee’ to make a small donation HERE, or donate the normal way HERE.
Danny Jones -
14th April 2023 
