If you're even slightly interested in professional scootering, then you are likely aware that the CORE Open is among the most prominent stunt scooter events on the schedule. Well, here's some great news: it's returning for its fifth year and promises to be the best yet. Here’s all the information you need, along with some gear to get you motivated ahead of the big day.
What Exactly Is the CORE Open?
The CORE Open is simply the largest stunt scooter competition in the UK, and it’s significant not only by British standards. This event is one of the most important scooter contests throughout Europe. Organized by CORE Action Sports, it gathers some of the world's top pro scooter athletes to showcase some of the most breathtaking tricks you'll ever witness live.
This year marks the event's fifth edition, which is a notable milestone for what has become a truly iconic event in the scootering community. If you haven't attended before, this is definitely the year to do so.
The Details: Where and When
The CORE Open 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, at Junction4 Skatepark in Darwen, Blackburn. Junction4 is a fantastic venue for an event like this, and with a full restaurant and bar available, it’s a great day out whether you're competing or simply enjoying the atmosphere as a spectator.
The prize fund this year is an impressive £7,500, indicating the calibre of riders you can expect to see giving it their all. With that kind of money at stake, you know the performances will be top-notch.
It's important to note that this year's event is not sanctioned by ScootGB, so it doesn't contribute ranking points towards the UK Championships or World Titles. This actually creates a really enjoyable atmosphere, as the focus is more on delivering an amazing show and competing for the prize money rather than the pressure of ranking points.
Tickets and Registration
This is crucial: you cannot register on the day, so you must pre-register by purchasing your ticket in advance. The organizers are quite strict about this, with registration closing 48 hours before the event. General admission and spectator tickets can be bought on the day, but if you want to compete, secure your ticket now.
Tickets are non-refundable, consistent with most live sporting events. However, in the unlikely event of an injury, your ticket will be carried over to the next year's event, which is a nice gesture.
You can purchase your tickets on Eventbrite, and it's definitely worth buying in advance to avoid any queues on the day.
Getting There
If you're coming from further away, Manchester Airport is just a 43-minute drive, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport is about 53 minutes. For accommodation, the Premier Inn Blackburn South (M65, J4) is only a 3-minute drive from the skatepark, and there's also a Travelodge Blackburn M65 just 4 minutes away. There's plenty of parking available on site too, so driving is absolutely no problem.
There will also be an exclusive CORE Pop Up Shop at the event, so make sure to allocate some time to check out the deals they offer on the day.
Check Out Last Year's Highlights
Get Inspired: Shop CORE Stunt Scooters
Watching the professionals perform at Junction4 will definitely make you want to ride, and there's no better way to channel that energy than with a proper CORE scooter. CORE is a British brand, designed and engineered in England, and they produce some of the best stunt scooters available at every price point. Here are three excellent options currently available at SkateHut.
CORE CD1 Complete Stunt Scooter, Neo/Black, £109.95
If you're new to scootering or looking to purchase your first proper scooter, the CD1 is an excellent choice to start with. It’s designed with beginner riders in mind, generally from ages 6 and up, and it offers exceptional value for the price in terms of specifications.
The CD1 features 110mm spoked aluminium CORE wheels with ABEC-9 bearings, providing a smooth and stable ride whether you're heading to the skatepark or trying to master your first tricks. The deck is 4.5 inches wide by 19.5 inches long, made from lightweight extruded aluminium with a boxed-end design and integrated dropouts, making it ideal for learning grinds. The nylon flex fender brake also helps keep your wheels in better condition for longer.
One of the smartest features of the CD1 is its two-piece bar design. This innovative element allows CORE to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping by fitting more units per container, making the CD1 133% better for the environment than a traditional scooter setup. It’s a bit of clever thinking that doesn’t sacrifice performance at all.
The Neo/Black colour scheme looks fantastic, and with the scooter currently priced at £109.95 (down from £119.95), it truly is one of the best value complete stunt scooters on the market right now.
CORE CL1 Complete Stunt Scooter, Black, £184.95
Take things up a notch with the CL1, which is the perfect option for anyone ready to upgrade from their first scooter and invest in something that can handle real progression. It has been tested by the CORE professional team, so you know it's built to withstand whatever you can throw at it.
The CL1 is incredibly lightweight at just 3.45kg, partly due to the weight-reducing cutouts in both the deck and the clamp. The deck itself measures 5 inches wide by 19 inches long, offering a great balance between manoeuvrability and stability, making it suitable for younger riders up to young adults. The hollow-core CORE aftermarket wheels ensure a smooth roll, paired with ABEC-9 premium bearings and a fully integrated stack headset.
What’s particularly impressive about the CL1 is its interchangeable nylon square dropouts, which allow you to switch between different riding styles. That kind of adaptability is usually reserved for much more expensive setups, so it’s a real bonus at this price point. The new slim 170mm grips are also a nice feature, providing a comfortable and secure hold that remains grippy over time.
Priced at £184.95, the CL1 in black is an exceptionally good purchase for anyone looking to advance their riding without spending a fortune.