APPLICATIONS have opened for this year’s Colchester Soapbox Rally.

The event is returning to the city centre on Sunday, September 15 and its organisers are on the lookout for racers who are ready to go head-to-head in front of thousands of spectators.

Last year’s event brought together 300 participants who raced in 48 non-motorised karts in front of 7,000 visitors.

Entries for this year's event cost £75, which is discounted to £50 for members of the Our Colchester business improvement district (Bid), and are available on the In Colchester website.

Gazette: Fun - entrants tackle the 'kart-wash' at last year's eventFun - entrants tackle the 'kart-wash' at last year's event (Image: Rachel Simson)

Sam Good, chief executive of the Bid, said: “This high-energy event offers a transformative experience for city visitors and our businesses see the tangible benefits.

“It isn’t simply those in retail and hospitality who come out as winners; our sponsors and participants are gaining unparalleled visibility - on the track, the big screens, race day material and more.”

The Soapbox Rally was a roaring success when it came to Colchester for the first time last year, which saw Witham-based engineering company Tecniq zip down High Street in the quickest time.

Chief executive Nigel Lampiere said: “We were very proud to be part of last year’s Colchester Soapbox Rally – a very well-organised and fun event and a great opportunity for our engineering apprentices, who designed, built and ran the karts, taking first and second on the day.

“A fantastic local event to be involved in.”

Gazette: Event - a kart zipping down Colchester High StreetEvent - a kart zipping down Colchester High Street (Image: Darren Gilbert)

Earlier this month, Colchester Council documents revealed businesses in the city centre reported an average year-on-year uplift in sales of 35 per cent after the event.

The city’s busiest retailers enjoyed the sound of the tills ringing on September 17, with some businesses reporting a 70 per cent increase in sales.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre manager Martin Leatherdale agreed many businesses saw a “positive uplift” in sales.

He confirmed Lion Walk will join in the fun once again when the event returns on September 15.