Organisers of a soapbox challenge event have announced the addition of a special celebration to mark the Independence Day of Ukraine.

People are being invited to attend the Accrington soapbox challenge on Saturday, August 24, and celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.

 An occasion which is marked around the world, the holiday is a symbol of national identity and pride in the Ukrainian people's resilience.

 As part of the celebrations, the event will feature a Ukrainian dance performance, special Ukrainian flags for those attending to wave during the Soapbox racing and the entry of a Ukrainian-themed cart into the race.

READ MORE: Accrington soapbox challenge returns to streets next month

 The celebration will be part of a packed day of activities in Accrington town centre, as the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge returns between 10am and 3pm.

Sponsored by Hyndburn Borough Council and Accrington & Rossendale College, the free-to-attend event will welcome thousands of people to Accrington as participants go head-to-head to secure first place, while there will also be prizes for the best-dressed team and the best-designed cart.

 Businesses, organisations and local individuals will be taking part in the racing including North Lancs Training Group, Senator, Stolle Machinery, Accrington Wildcats, Team BRSK and many more. All entry fees for the race will be donated to Maundy Relief.

 There will also be food stalls on offer throughout the day, as well as entertainment featuring Brazilian dancers, a Samba band, local ska band Blowjangles and the special Ukrainian dance performance.

Ukrainian dancers will be performing as part of the celebration to mark Ukrainian Independence DayUkrainian dancers will be performing as part of the celebration to mark Ukrainian Independence Day (Image: Adam Woodhouse)

 A spokesperson from Hyndburn Borough Council said: "It is a real honour for us as a town to be able to celebrate and mark Ukraine's Independence Day.

 "We have got some exciting activities to mark the occasion and we would like to invite everyone to come down and join in the celebrations."

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and arts, said: "We have got such a great community spirit here in Hyndburn and we are excited to be able to mark this momentous day with the Ukrainian people who live throughout the borough, as well as all our family and friends."