Harrogate MP marks 60th anniversary of iconic Knaresborough Bed Race with motion in Parliament
The forthcoming Knaresborough Bed Race has been praised in the House of Commons by the town’s MP.
Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race with a motion in the Houses of Parliament.
The Liberal Democrat MP congratulated the Knaresborough Lions on their continued dedication to running the race and raising money for local charitable causes.
The race, which was first conceived by the Knaresborough Round Table in 1966, was highlighted by the MP with an Early Day Motion.
The iconic local tradition is now marked on the official record in Westminster.
“Traditions like the Great Bed Race are really something to shout about,” said Mr Gordon who took part in the race last year.
"It’s a real celebration of our living, local heritage.
"It’s what makes Knaresborough Knaresborough.
“I take my hat off to the local organisers who really graft to keep it alive.
"I’m looking forward to watching it this weekend and seeing the sixties theme fancy dress
“It was so much fun running the race last year.
"I’ve had contacts in London message me about it, desperate to take part in our Yorkshire tradition.”
Tom Gordon MP’s 60 Years of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race text for the official record in Westminster includes the following passages:
“This House congratulates the Knaresborough Lions Club on the 60th anniversary of the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, one of the United Kingdom’s most extraordinary community and sporting events, first conceived by the Knaresborough Round Table in 1966 and now proudly run by the Knaresborough Lions; celebrates the event’s unique character, combining a spectacular fancy dress parade in which elaborately decorated beds are pushed through Knaresborough’s ancient streets with a gruelling timed race.
"We recognise the tens of thousands of spectators who descend on Knaresborough each year, bringing huge economic benefits to the town and putting this remarkable Yorkshire community on the international stage; commends the Knaresborough Lions Club for raising thousands of pounds for good causes year after year.”
Knaresborough Bed Race takes place on Saturday, June 13.
Information: https://www.bedrace.co.uk/