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Knaresborough Bed Race

The determination and energy of competitors in the 1977 Knaresborough Bed Race is both admirable and highly amusing in this wacky, fun film.

Amateur film 1977 9 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for Yorkshire Film Archive

Overview

This film features the high jinks that made up the 1977 Knaresborough Bed Race. A beauty pageant kicks off events, then different teams in fancy dress line-up to compete, including one team representing Look North Leeds. The teams battle for position as the riders hang on for their lives. The winners are presented with a cup whilst the losers rue their luck.

The 2.4 mile long Great Knaresborough Bed Race has been held annually since the inaugural event in 1966. The event consists of a pageant followed by a race on wheeled beds. The race continues to this day and is held on the second Saturday of June each year.