All set for 2016 Bed Race

The countdown has started to the 51st Great Knaresborough Bed Race with all preparations now far-advanced. The Race will be staged on Saturday 11 June 2016, with teams and decorated beds gathering at Knaresborough Castle from 10 am. The judging of the Best Dressed Bed is from 11 am to noon, with the results announced shortly thereafter.

The Parade kicks off at 1 pm, around the Market, down High Street and into the grounds of Conyngham Hall. Apart from the teams and helpers, we have marching bands from local groups and schools, plus dancers and others taking part.

The Race itself starts at 3 pm with teams going off from Conyngham Hall in roughly 10 second intervals. The course takes them through the leafy grounds of the Hall, across onto Waterside and through the Nidd Gorge, before leading up the very steep climb of Castle Ings. Then it is back around the Market Place, down High Street and Bond End, across High Bridge to McIntosh Fields. The final act is the 30 yard swim across the icy River Nidd.

The fastest teams complete the course in under 14 minutes, the slowest in about twice that time. Try walking the course and you will see for yourselves how gruelling an event it is. It is hoped that the results will be announced around 4.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to Knaresborough for another great Great Knaresborough Bed Race - 11 June 2016.