This year’s Douglas Soap Box Race has been cancelled because of a lack of insurance.

The sixth edition of the event was due to be held on September 4 but due to public liability insurance problems the event cannot be held this year.

Elliott Moore, organiser of the event, said: ’There have been a couple of logistical issues this year but the biggest one is that I have not been able to get insurance for the event.

’The usual insurer no longer covers this type of event and as it turns out nobody else seems to want to cover it.

’It is public liability insurance that I need, not competitor insurance as they sign a waiver and it’s up to them if they get personal insurance.

’As far as I am concerned it has nothing to do with Covid, unless that’s why companies don’t want to insure big events.

’And it is also nothing to do with the potholes on Upper Church St, unlike some of the Manx rumours I have been hearing.

’Microgaming have very kindly donated £1,000 to the firefighters charity and subject to finding insurance we will be back next year.’

A soap box race follows a time trial format so that each extravagantly decorated DIY kart completes three runs of the course.

The top six fastest teams then get one final run to compete for the title.

The previous course started at the top of Upper Church St and ran for 300m past Bar George, The Courthouse and Rovers Return to the finish at The Outback, Barrack Street.

Last year’s event raised £3,000 for the firefighters charity through race entry fees and donations on the night.