North Yorkshire Council has been praised for waiving the fees for using key locations for Great Knaresborough Bed Race which attracts crowds of nearly 30,000.

Harrogate & Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon said he was grateful to the council for its support for next year’s major community charity event and hoped it would help keep costs down in future years.

The council’s decision that fees for the use of car parks at Conyngham Hall and other key locations will be waived for 2026 follows the Lib Dem MP’s talks with North Yorkshire Council Chief Executive Richard Flinton.

The waiver applies exclusively to the 2026 event, with future arrangements subject to the outcome of the council’s forthcoming parking review.

To ensure Knaresborough Bed Race continues to thrive in its 60th anniversary year and beyond, organisers say public donations and sponsorships are more important than ever. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — To ensure Knaresborough Bed Race continues to thrive in its 60th anniversary year and beyond, organisers say public donations and sponsorships are more important than ever. (Picture contributed)

“I’m grateful to North Yorkshire Council for supporting the Great Knaresborough Bed Race by waiving car park charges for next year’s event,” said Mr Gordon.

"I look forward to the outcome of the parking review and hope it reflects the long-term value the Bed Race brings to Knaresborough not only through tourism, but also by encouraging local pride and community spirit.”

Organisers Knaresborough Lions are already preparing for next year’s landmark 60th anniversary event, which involves a greater amount of planning and financial challenges than ever.

To ensure the charity event continues to thrive in 2026 and beyond, public donations and sponsorships are more important than ever, they say.

Knaresborough Lions' Bed Race Chairman Jatinder Kalsi said: “Bed Race 2025 was a great success with the whole town coming together to celebrate.

"We are extremely grateful for local MP and Bed Race runner Tom Gordon for negotiated waiving of parking charges at Conyngham Hall and other car parks throughout Knaresborough.

"Costs have risen significantly, so we have very little surplus revenue to allow for investment in next year's event.

"We encourage the public and local businesses to support the event and make donations though our website.”

Knaresborough Coun Hannah Gostlow paid tribute to Knaresborough Lions' for their hard work, saying: “The Lions’ commitment to our town is inspirational; they deserve all our support.”

For more information or to donate, visit: https://www.bedrace.co.uk/ or https://www.bedrace.co.uk/donate