Big crowds expected for a time-honoured tradition in Knaresborough which was first launched in 1968
Hundreds of people will line up this Christmas to watch the spectacular Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War for an incredible 57th year running.
First launched in 1968, this long-standing festive tradition held the day after Christmas will see teams from two of Knaresborough’s best-loved and most historic pubs – the Half Moon Free House and Mother Shipton Inn – compete in a tug-of-war contest across the River Nidd.
Taking place at Low Bridge from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday, December 26, the two pubs’ men's and women's teams will pull a rope across the River Nidd at Low Bridge, raising funds for local charities and drawing a crowd of 1,000 people of more.
Full of Christmas cheer and friendly rivalry, this popular community event itself is expected to kick off at noon on Boxing Day.
With the perennial risk of contestants getting dragged into the Nidd by an extra strong pull, the teams may be relieved to learn that the Boxing Day weather forecast is for sunny intervals, no rain, little wind and a temperature of 7c.