Doubts over next year's Bed Race in Knaresborough as organisers put preparations on hold

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This hugely popular charity event, which attracts thousands of spectators in normal times, was due to be revived next year on June 12 after being cancelled last summer during lockdown.

The official statement from the Knaresborough Lions says that huge array of arrangements necessary to present the 2021 Great Knaresborough Bed Race on the second Saturday in June have now been put on hold.

Forthcoming meetings with the authorities and discussions within the Lions Club will decide whether its is now feasible to hold the Bed Race with the Covid pandemic having, as yet, no clear end date in sight.

Kevin Lloyd, Chairman of the Bed Race 2021 organising Committee, says there is still difficulty involved in committing to the traditional date in June.

“The reason is that it is just too early to say when we will be able to hold Bed Race 2021.

“There is so much that is still uncertain about the virus, its vaccines and the likely rules kept in place by the authorities.

“Things might clear up and we are always optimistic, but we have to be sensible of the issues as so much preparation has to start well before the event, not least the training of the teams around the streets

“The Lions know that a clear run up to the event is vital. Beds have to be built, decorations have to be designed and made and we, as organisers, have much preparation and briefing to do.

“The horizon has to be clear for June, or a later month if that becomes necessary.”

The Knaresborough Lions will be holding meetings with the police and council, and among themselves in the coming weeks and hope to made an announcement before early February.

Mr Lloyd said: "We will do what we can and ask that people keep faith with us. Please watch the Bed Race website, www.bedrace.co.uk, and the local news media in North Yorkshire. We will keep you informed.”

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is one of the the highlights of the Yorkshire calendar, attracting national media attention.

It has been held since 1966, only missing in 2020 due to the pandemic.

It is held on a 2.4-mile course which takes the teams and their beds around the streets of Knaresborough, through the Gorge and across High Bridge, before finishing with a swim across the ever-icy River Nidd.

Mr Lloyd said: “We, as Lions, remain committed to bringing it back. It is now a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘whether’.

“Stay safe, social distanced and optimistic for a much better and happier New Year!”

More information is available on https://www.bedrace.co.uk or https://www.knaresboroughlions.org.

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