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25
Dec
Knaresborough's festive tug of war makes Boxing Day return
Knaresborough’s traditional festive test of strength over the River Nidd will take place tomorrow (December 26).
The tug of war contest is between teams from the Half Moon Free House and the Mother Shipton Inn.
The event starts at 12pm and lasts for between one and two hours. Hundreds of spectators turn up to watch.
The tradition, which has been going for 57 years, sees teams from the two pubs on either side of the River Nidd attempt to pull each other towards the river's edge.
The losing team could fall into the river, although no one has seen that soggy fate for many years now.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret this week, Half Moon Free House manager, Tom Clarkson, said 32 participants are taking part.
There will be men’s and women’s events, contested over the best of three pulls. Teams swap sides of the river between each pull.
Knaresborough town crier, Mark Hunter, will umpire the contest.
Mr Clarkson said:
Get here early and get a good spot – it’s going to be busy. The weather is looking good, too, so come down for a great event, and bring some spare change.
All proceeds go to Frank’s Fund, a charity raising money for life-saving research into Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. You can find out more here.
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