A Lancaster Bomber will fly over the skies of Stockport next month as part of the town's inaugural soapbox derby.
The Totally Stockport Krazy Races, which will take place in the town centre in late May, has been chosen to become part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Flyover. Taking place between May and September, the series of flyover events are designed to 'meet the values and principles of the RAF'.
The Lancaster that will be flying over Stockport is only one of two remaining Lancaster Bombers from an original 7,377, giving Stockport families a rare opportunity to witness the most successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two.
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Sarah Belcher, founder and director of Krazy races 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."
Over 10,000 people are expected to come down on the day, not only to watch the flyover, but to support the 'krazy, wacky and outrageous' soapbox downhill racers at the town's first Krazy Races. 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.
The course is over 350 metres and includes chicanes, obstacles, water and more. Meanwhile, amateur teams will be entertaining the crowds and competing to be the best dressed, with prizes for best designed and the fastest soapbox karts.
Competitors will also work their way through a knockout-style competition with only the fastest ten cars making it through to the final, where they will battle to take home the coveted winners' trophy. A number of local businesses will be taking part including Stockport Gin, with their soapbox designed to look like a giant bottle of gin, and Shopblocks who are fashioning their kart to look like a Fred Perry Shoe.
The opening procession will take place at 10.45am, before the first run at 11am. There will be three runs before a final run of the ten fastest at 5pm. The soap-box derby is free to attend and will take place on Sunday, May 28.
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