Excitement is building for the first Knaresborough Bed Race since 2019.
The historic event on Saturday afternoon will see teams take part in a 2.4 mile course through the town in fancy dress, pushing a bed, before finishing with a wade through the River Nidd.
As many as 30,000 people line the streets for the event which is due to return on June 11. Since the first in 1966 the tradition has been picked up across the world with similar events being held in USA, Germany and New Zealand.
This year’s competitors have based their costume and bed design on the theme ‘The Environment: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’.
Nigel Perry, secretary at Knaresborough Lions, the volunteer group that organises the event, said he has enjoyed seeing teams practicing this week ahead of the big day.
He said:
“Taking part in the Bed Race takes fortitude. The streets of Knaresborough are full of teams practicing.
“The town will be packed on the day.”
Newly elected Liberal Democrat Knaresborough county councillor Matt Walker added:
“It’s great to see the beds back practicing the course through the town and the infamous water crossing . The crowds are in for a real treat as the beds are pushed through the town for the parade.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the teams have interpreted this year’s theme of recycle, reuse and reduce. It’s really opportunity to show off Knaresborough at its best to thousands of locals and visitors. Reminding people what make it a special place to live, work and visit.”
Read more:
- Knaresborough flower shop set to stay as new florist takes over
- Council rejects Knaresborough scuba diving facility plan
The Lions have organised park and ride facilities on Manse Lane (Knaresborough Technology Park) and Grimbalds Crag (ALM) on Bed Race day where a free Transdev bus service will take visitors to and from the town.
Knaresborough’s pubs, cafes and restaurants will also be looking forward to Saturday, which is traditionally their busiest day of the year for trade.
Mr Perry added:
“The Bed Race is good for them and good for the town.”
There has been a lot of rainfall this week but Mr Perry said the Nidd will be safe for competitors to wade through.
The race will start at 3pm from Conyngham Hall but a whole day of events are planned including a best-dressed bed competition and a parade through the town.
Click here to read the full programme.
We’ll be running a live blog on the day, would you like to send a good luck message to anyone competing? Email [email protected] and we will publish your message.
