A POPULAR event in the heart of Colchester has been postponed with the event set to be relocated.

The Colchester Soapbox Rally, organised by the Business Improvement District (BID), proved to be a fan favourite amongst the events held in the city centre. 

The inaugural event last year saw thousands of people gather along the High Street to watch more than 50 karts take place in the time trials. 

Due to the popularity and positive feedback, the race was set to return on September 15. 

Track - The race track along Colchester High StreetTrack - The race track along Colchester High Street (Image: Natalie Hensel)

However, the BID has now revealed that they are in talks with Essex Highways to relocate the race and host it on North Hill, meaning the event will be postponed.

A spokesman for Our Colchester BID said: “This event draws thousands of visitors to Colchester and is therefore important to us to do what we can to improve the experience this year.  

“We have listened to the public and our kart entrants and we are pleased to be able to bring the event to North Hill and will announce further details shortly.  

“Colchester City Centre is blessed with an incredible line-up of events this Summer with Invasion Colchester, Anti-Loo Roll Brigade Festival and the 80's Calling event in Castle Park leaving our residents and visitors no shortage of entertainment to enjoy.” 

Following “positive discussions” with the authorities, the relocation has been agreed and the date will be postponed to allow for sufficient time to organise the arrangements of the new track and logistics. 

A new date for the race will be announced "in due course", the BID has said. 

Ramp - The karts were launched from an 8ft high rampRamp - The karts were launched from an 8ft high ramp (Image: Jess Walker - Colchester BID)

Figures from last year’s event by the BID suggest the soapbox rally resulted in a 36.5 per cent uplift for businesses year-on-year. 

The race along the 300m course down High Street after launching from an 8ft high ramp had many people ask for a “speedier” track, suggesting North Hill as a steeper site. 

Bosses at the BID said they are happy to keep the event going but need more time to make it as safe as possible, which would not have been achievable within seven weeks.