The Great Knaresborough Bed Race

Everything You Need to Know About the Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2026

If you’ve never experienced the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, this Saturday is the perfect time to discover one of Yorkshire’s most extraordinary events.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Bed Race has grown from a quirky local fundraiser featuring just four teams into a spectacular day that attracts thousands of visitors to Knaresborough every year.

From colourful costumes and live entertainment to fierce competition and the famous River Nidd crossing, there’s something happening from morning until early evening.

A Diamond Jubilee Celebration

This year’s event pays tribute to the decade that started it all with the theme “The Swinging Sixties”.

Founded in 1966 by Knaresborough Lions Club volunteers, the Bed Race has become one of North Yorkshire’s most cherished traditions. Fittingly, teams will be embracing the sights, sounds and fashions of the era that brought us Beatlemania, mini skirts and England’s World Cup triumph.

Expect plenty of retro creativity as teams compete for the coveted Best Dressed Bed title.

Make a Day of It

The festivities begin long before the race itself.

9am – The Beds Arrive

Head to the grounds of Knaresborough Castle where teams gather with their imaginative creations. This is one of the best opportunities to get close to the beds, chat with competitors and admire the incredible effort that goes into decorating them.

11am – Best Dressed Bed Judging

The competition for the most inventive and eye-catching bed gets underway. With the Swinging Sixties theme, visitors can expect a colourful display of nostalgia and creativity.

Midday – Winners Announced

The first trophies of the day are awarded as the Best Dressed Bed winners are revealed.

At the same time, Conyngham Hall Fields opens with:

Food and drink stalls
Family attractions
Charity stands
Bars and refreshments
Fairground amusements

Don’t Miss the Famous Parade

1pm – Through the Heart of Knaresborough

The parade is one of the highlights of the day.

Decorated beds, marching groups, dancers, bands and entertainers make their way through the town centre, creating a carnival atmosphere along the High Street and beyond.

For many visitors, this is the perfect opportunity to soak up the spirit of the event and capture some memorable photographs.

The Main Event

3pm – The Great Bed Race Begins

After all the fun and pageantry comes the serious business of racing.

Teams strip away their decorations, swap fancy dress for running gear and prepare for one of the most demanding challenges in Yorkshire.

Each team must push a specially adapted bed carrying a passenger around a gruelling course featuring:

✔ Steep climbs

✔ Tight corners

✔ Parkland trails

✔ Historic streets

✔ A river crossing

The River Nidd Crossing

The moment everyone waits for.

After navigating the streets, parks and hills of Knaresborough, teams arrive at the River Nidd where they must swim roughly 50 yards across the water with their passenger and bed.

It’s chaotic, dramatic, entertaining and completely unique.

Whether you’re watching from the riverbank or on the big screen at Conyngham Hall, it’s an unforgettable spectacle.

Best Places to Watch

For visitors wanting the best views, consider:

Knaresborough Castle Grounds

Perfect for seeing the decorated beds up close before the action begins.

The High Street

A fantastic location to watch the colourful parade.

Castle Ings

One of the toughest sections of the course where teams battle the steep incline.

The River Crossing

Arguably the most iconic and exciting part of the race.

Conyngham Hall Fields

The heart of the event, featuring entertainment, refreshments and the finish line.

Entertainment Throughout the Day

Conyngham Hall Fields remains the centre of activity throughout the afternoon.

Visitors can enjoy:

Live music
Race commentary
Giant screen coverage
Food vendors
Bars and refreshments
Family attractions

Local station Your Harrogate will provide live commentary and coverage from across the course, helping spectators follow the action from start to finish.

Planning Your Visit

Road Closures

Several roads around Knaresborough town centre will be closed during the event.

Key closures begin from:

10:30am around The Market, Castlegate and Silver Street
12:30pm on High Street, Bond End and surrounding race routes

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra travel time.

Free Park and Ride

A complimentary park-and-ride service will operate throughout the day between Knaresborough Technology Park on Manse Lane and the town centre.

More Than Just a Race

Behind the excitement is an event that continues to support charities and community projects.

Organised entirely by Knaresborough Lions Club volunteers, the Bed Race costs around £30,000 to stage each year. Funds are raised through sponsorship, programme sales, team entries, donations and visitor support.

Sixty years after the first race rolled through the streets of Knaresborough, it remains one of Yorkshire’s most remarkable community events.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, the Great Knaresborough Bed Race promises a day packed with colour, laughter, competition and unforgettable moments.

Top Tip: Arrive early, explore the castle grounds, grab a spot near the river crossing and stay for the prize presentations. You’ll experience the very best of what makes Knaresborough such a special place.

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Is Your Team Taking Part? Meet the 90 Teams Entering the Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2026

There’s nothing quite like Bed Race day in Knaresborough.

On Saturday, June 13, thousands of people will line the streets for one of Yorkshire’s most famous events as the Great Knaresborough Bed Race 2026 returns with its colourful parade, outrageous costumes and unforgettable race through the town.

This year, teams will be embracing the theme “The Swinging Sixties”, meaning spectators can expect everything from flower power and Beatles-inspired creations to psychedelic designs and plenty of surprises.

Whether you’re supporting friends, family, work colleagues or your local school, here’s your chance to see who’s taking part before the big day.

Why Everyone Loves Bed Race

Since 1966, Bed Race has been a highlight of the Knaresborough calendar.

The event combines a spectacular parade of decorated beds with a gruelling 2.4-mile race featuring steep climbs, fast descents and the famous plunge through the River Nidd.

It’s a challenge that tests teamwork, fitness and creativity—and it’s all organised by the volunteer-run Knaresborough Lions Club to raise money for local good causes.

Spot Your Team in the 2026 Line-Up

Schools & Education

King James’s Staff
KJS Sixth Form 2026
St John Fisher Harrogate
Aspin Park Academy Staff
Aspin Park Academy Parents
St Mary’s Primary School
All Saints Primary School, Kirkby Overblow
Manor Preschool
HGS Science
Knaresborough St John’s Teachers
Knaresborough St John’s Parents
Techbuyer & St Peter’s Primary School

Sports Clubs & Running Teams

Knaresborough Striders Ladies Team
Knaresborough Striders Mixed Bed 2
Ripon Runners Ladies
Ripon Runners Social Team
Wetherby Runners
Sherburn Runners
Stray Runners
Parkrunners
New Park Pacers
Knaresborough Town AFC
Knaresborough Town Over 30s
Knaresborough RUFC
Harrogate District Swimming Club
Starbeck Tennis Club Ladies
Armed Forces Fitness
Black Wolf Fitness
DM Fitness

Charities & Community Groups

Saint Michael’s Hospice
Open Arms Malawi
Mums’ Minds Matter
Harrogate Neighbours Heroes
Friends of Alfie Martin
Harrogate Round Table
Knaresborough Air Cadets
1st Knaresborough (Castle) Scouts
1st Scriven Scout Group
MOGS (Mums of Goldsborough School)

Businesses & Workplaces

GH Brooks Mens
G H Brooks Counter Crew
Raworths Solicitors
Switalskis Solicitors
Barker and Stonehouse
HG Consulting Engineers
Guardian Alarms
VP Credit Control Team
Team YNYCA
Menwith Hill
Kingfisher Kiosk
Manor House On The Move

Music, Heritage & Special Interest Groups

Harrogate Symphony Orchestra
Knaresborough Silver Band
Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks
Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation
Nidd Valley Bees
Nidd Valley Mixed
Nidd Valley Juniors
HACS 01
HACS 02
Aspin Avengers
Scorchers Strikers
The Track & Sleeper

The Question Everyone Will Be Asking…

Who will have the best bed?

Who will survive the river crossing?

And who will be crowned Bed Race champions in 2026?

With 90 teams competing and thousands expected to pack the route, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most colourful yet.

Planning to Watch?

Arrive early to enjoy the famous parade through the town centre, secure a good viewing spot and keep an eye out for family members, friends, colleagues and local organisations taking part.

The parade is often just as entertaining as the race itself, with months of planning and bed-building finally revealed on the streets of Knaresborough.

Are You Taking Part?

Let us know which team you’ll be supporting this year and share your photos from Bed Race day.

For race details, route information, timings and donations, visit www.bedrace.co.uk.

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