COLCHESTER High Street is set to be transformed into a race track for a day of high octane soapbox rallies.

The brand new event will see non-motorised, handmade soapbox cars go head-to-head in time trials as they race through the city centre.

A 300m racetrack will be in place in High Street as the decorated vehicles take to the track from 10am on Sunday, September 17.

Entries will open in March and anyone is welcome to design and build their own kart and get involved.

Gazette: Great fun - soapbox races attract all kinds of weird and wonderful outfits and kartsGreat fun - soapbox races attract all kinds of weird and wonderful outfits and karts (Image: PA)

Bosses at Our Colchester Business Improvement District, which is hosting the event, said they hope it will attract “thousands of visitors” to the city.

Different free events will be taking place throughout the day for spectators to enjoy, including time trials and stage areas where people can admire the karts before they race.

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High Street will remain closed throughout the duration of the day but Head Street and North Hill will remain open to ease traffic congestion.

Colchester BID manager Sam Good said: “I’m really excited to be bringing the Colchester Soapbox Rally to the High Street.

Gazette: Thrills and spills - a soapbox race in London's Alexandra ParkThrills and spills - a soapbox race in London's Alexandra Park (Image: PA)

“I’ve attended others in the region, and it always brings a big buzz of fun and energy along with it.

“Ramps and obstacles will be set up along the course for the racers to navigate and the public will get a great show.”

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He continued: “As this is the first year of the Colchester Soap Box Rally, the entry fee for teams taking part is quite low, so we encourage as many people as possible to take part and give it a go.

“Entries are also open for businesses if they want to create a team kart.”

Gazette: Race track - Colchester High StreetRace track - Colchester High Street (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Excited - Our Colchester BID manager Sam GoodExcited - Our Colchester BID manager Sam Good (Image: N/A)

The event has been welcomed by High Street department shop Fenwick.

Store director Nancy Foster said: “The Fenwick team are excited to welcome Colchester Soapbox Rally to the High Street this summer.

“Thriving city centres benefit from events such as this by attracting visitors to the city centre and have a significant beneficial economic impact on the surrounding area, both short and long term."

For more information and to register in March, visit incolchester.co.uk/soapbox-rally.