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03
Jun 2023
Knaresborough gears up for its biggest day of the year
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Knaresborough next weekend for the annual bed race.
Ninety teams will tackle the 2.4-mile course, departing from Conyngham Hall in 10-second intervals from about 3pm.
Although the race is competitive, the day itself is about far more than a mad scamper through the streets of Knaresborough and the River Nidd.
First staged in 1966, it begins with teams gathering at Knaresborough Castle in the morning to be judged for the 'Best Dressed Team' award.
Whoever wins leads the parade from the castle to Conyngham Hall at 1pm. Each team is allowed up to 20 supporters to parade with them in fancy dress.
The course follows almost exactly the same route as that in 1966. Teams race along the Waterside, pass through Nidd Gorge, up the steep Castle Ings, around the cobbled stones of the marketplace, down the High Street and Bond End, and across High Bridge.
The 2.4-mile course is hilly and tough. Photograph: Charlotte Gale Photography
The last stretch is on the rough ground of McIntosh Park before the notorious 20-yard swim across the fast-flowing Nidd.
GH Brooks, winners of the 2022 men's event will be back this year, but Welly Wheelies, the defending female champions, have not entered.
French TV coverage
A French TV company will be among those attending this year, as the bed race's fame continues to spread.
Another first this year sees the race trialling chip technology.
Martin Brock, chairman of the bed race committee at Knaresborough Lions, which organises the event, said:
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The sheer size of the event leads to road closures and travel problems. Mr Brock urged people to use the free park and ride service run by bus company Connexions at Manse Lane (Knaresborough Technology Park) and Grimbalds Crag (ALM retail park)
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre will create a festival feel at BedFest, which begins at midday and includes music, food and drink on the bed race route.
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