Tender: Provision and Delivery of Annual Town Centre Soapbox Racing Event – Kettering (2027–2029)

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Kettering Town Council is seeking a supplier for planning, promotion, management and delivery of an annual public soapbox racing event in Kettering town centre in 2027, 2028 and 2029. The Council requires a safe, professionally managed and visually engaging event that attracts participants and spectators, supports town-centre footfall and creates a distinctive annual experience. The successful supplier will provide an end-to-end event management service including event design and race operation; event planning and project management; participant recruitment, registration and race management; specialist race infrastructure; event safety, risk assessment and emergency planning; liaison for traffic management, road closures and relevant permissions; marketing and audience development; and operational delivery. The supplier must work collaboratively with Kettering Town Council and local stakeholders including North Northamptonshire Council, event safety partners, land and highway stakeholders and emergency services as required, and should consider accessibility, sustainability, community involvement and opportunities to support local businesses and traders. The contract covers three annual events (2027–2029) with an indicative budget of approximately £40,000 excluding VAT per event (approximate three-year value £120,000 excluding VAT); tenderers must identify VAT treatment and clearly state all assumptions, exclusions and potential additional charges.