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Colchester's first soapbox rally attracts thousands

News imageLauren Carter/BBC Kart decorated as a pizza slice with the driver dressed as a chefLauren Carter/BBC
The soapbox rally race in Colchester featured creative kart designs and costumes

Colchester's High Street was lined with thousands of people for its first soapbox rally on Sunday.

About 300 people took part with 48 karts, according to Sam Good from In Colchester.

He estimated there were 6,000 to 7,000 people on the street watching the spectacle.

The event was organised by Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID), which represents companies and shops in the city.

News imageLauren Carter/BBC Kart decorated as a hedge with a smiling face on it and its drivers are wearing yellow sunflower costumesLauren Carter/BBC
Participants took inspiration for their kart and costume designs from a variety of things, including nature, food and films

ADP Classic Racing was the team with the fastest time, followed by Tecniq Trailblazers in second place.

BBC Essex, which was the media partner at the event, came third in its kart, with the "most creative team" prize going to #TeamTavern.

News imageLauren Carter/BBC Kart decorated as a banana with the driver dressed as a yellow minionLauren Carter/BBC
One participant dressed as a Minion from the film series Despicable Me
News imageLauren Carter/BBC Kart decorated as a vegetable patch with the driver dressed as a carrotLauren Carter/BBC
One kart resembles a vegetable patch
News imageLauren Carter/BBC Kart with BBC Essex written on itLauren Carter/BBC
BBC Essex took part with its own kart
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