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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
Manchester City win first Women’s Super League title in a decade
Danny Jones
After a decade of hope and hard work, Manchester City have finally won the Women’s Super League once again in a huge moment for the local club.
Lifting not just their first division title in 10 years, but only their second WSL trophy since the modern female football era began in 2010, it felt like only a matter of time to many supporters.
Ending a six-year Chelsea supremacy, this is also manager Andrée Jeglertz’s first at the helm of Man City’s women’s team, who arrived at the club with a strong silverware record at the start of this season.
These were the scenes at home base as one key result sealed their status as champions:
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 6, 2026
City Women secured the WSL title following third-placed Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton on Wednesday evening.
They even managed to do so with a game to spare and a six-point gap over the west London club, which has won so much over the past few years.
Speaking in an interview with club media after confirmation of the win, captain and Euro 2025-winning Lionesses defender, Alex Greenwood, said: “[It feels] absolutely incredible. “A moment – we as a team, me personally – us as a club has waited so long for”.
“An incredible moment, it’s an incredible feeling. I’m so glad we got to spend this moment together as a group. Just an absolutely incredible feeling.”
With fans watching both at home, along with the first team themselves, the celebrations have already begun as the team shared a look back at how they got here.
You can see the recap posted on social media in full below.
Commenting on his latest accolade, the Swedish head coach added in a full club statement: “There’s never been doubt about the talent in the group, but there is something else about talking about being winners and champions. We started that early, and we believed in that. That’s led us through this year.
“It hasn’t been easy; it’s been hard work every day, but we had a strong belief that we could be sitting here in May and be champions. That is the first thing, and we definitely deserve it.”
Congratulations to the Cityzens on a well-deserved and long-awaited WSL title; could this be the start of another sporting dynasty of dominance over in East Manchester? Only time will tell…
In other news around the Etihad Campus, the women’s, EDS and academy team stadium is also set to host the final of the FA Youth Cup later this month.
2027 Manchester Marathon sells out in record time after biggest event ever
Danny Jones
The 2027 adidas Manchester Marathon has already sold out in record time after the biggest event in the race’s history.
Incredible stuff.
Yes, after more than 42,000 runners took on this year’s 26.2-mile challenge – the highest number to date – public places for next year’s Manchester Marathon have gone in the blink of an eye.
To be specific, they were snapped up in just 10 days: even faster than the last time around, with 2026 having also broken the previous fastest (or PB, if you will) time before that.
Posting on social media, the organisers wrote: “We’re blown away by the response as a record-breaking number of public places were secured during our launch window, and we’re now officially at capacity.
“Thank you for the amazing support. We can’t wait to help you turn your 26.2 dreams into reality.”
They also went on to remind people that even if they missed out, potential participants can still secure a place through their official charity partners.
Manchester Marathon maintains annual partnerships with the likes of Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Mind, and The Christie Charity.
Teaming up with numerous non-profit organisations over the decades after it first began way back in 1908, before enjoying multiple stints during the 1980s and late 90s into the noughties, huge sums have been raised over the years.
It’s never anything less than a heartwarming and inspiring day.
The modern MCR Marathon, as we know it, returned in its present format nearly a decade and a half ago, beginning its current collaboration with sportswear giants adidas, therefore helping raise the profile even further, with the 2026 fundraising tally also reaching a record-breaking £5.2 million this past April.
At the moment, the Manchester Marathon maintains annual partnerships with the likes of Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Mind, and The Christie Charity.
Once again, these organisations, along with the likes of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and many more, will continue to offer charity places for the 2027 Manchester Marathon, provided you can hit the fundraising total.
We don’t know about you, but we’re loving this city and the surrounding boroughs being well and truly in their running era, and we also urge all of you who make up part of the local culture to immerse yourself in all aspects – especially when it comes to the post-race season party…
DJs, karaoke, quizzing, three full rooms, an entire beer garden to themselves, and MUCH more. 👀
Danny Jones -
14th April 2023 
