Theme for 2008 is
TRANSPORT THROUGH THE AGES

Race Entries are now closed due to excess demand

The Lions Club of Knaresborough is pleased to confirm that Saturday June 14th will see the running of the 43rd Great Knaresborough Bed Race. Early in the morning of 14th June the event starts with teams assembling their beds into Parade Order on King James’ school field, where commencing at 11:30, they are also judged on their artistic merit for the ‘Best Dressed Bed’ prize. This year, the winning bed will lead the parade!

 From 12:45 the parade forms up with bands, historic vehicles and other attractions joining in the fun. At 1:00 the parade makes its way down Knaresborough High Street to the delight of the waiting crowds. Further judging takes place on the performances that the teams give as they process to the race area at Conyngham Hall field.

There is then just sufficient time to undo all their hard work to get their chariots into ‘race trim’ for the 3:00 start. The race is a time-trial over the 3km course, with the long steep climb up Castle Ings road proving a struggle for many teams, as is the dramatic and often hilarious swim across the river Nidd to the finish line.

This Community Fun and Charity fund-raising event gets bigger and better each year, with 60 teams taking part in this year’s event. It is estimated that the teams raise a sum of over £40,000 for various charities per annum.

There has been much coverage in the press, including announcements that this year’s event had been cancelled, which is clearly not the case. We are very fortunate that Gillette Fusion have put  together a support package, working with long term sponsors Piccadilly Motors, to ensure the future of The Great Knarebsorough Bed Race for at least the next 3 years. We will have Bradford Bulls Super League and Great Britain star Sam Burgess with us to help start the race alongside prize winners for the Bed Race Theme and Programme Cover competitions. There will be a prize draw for tickets to Super League games at Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos as well as the usual fun and festivities.

So make your way to the picturesque North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough on Saturday 14th June for a Grand Day Out!

 Footnote for editors:

More information can be found on www.knaresborough.co.uk/bedrace

Or phone Lion Kevin Lloyd on 07711745985