Henshaws' annual BedFest event has raised £28,000 following its return to Knaresborough earlier this month.
Running alongside the iconic Great Knaresborough Bed Race, BedFest is a full-day celebration to support Henshaws and raise vital funds for people living with sight loss and other disabilities.
BedFest 2025 was held on Saturday 14th June at the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in the heart of Knaresborough and welcomed more than 800 visitors.
Music lovers were treated to performances by 19 local musicians across two stages on the day including Henshaws’ ambassadors DJ Rory Hoy and Leo Hicks.
More than 2,000 drinks were served by local breweries Harrogate Brewing Co and Turning Point Brewing Co and Italian food and Brymor ice cream was dished out by local food vendors 180° Streetfood and Sparkle and Magic.
This year’s BedFest was kindly sponsored again by Specsavers who are a long-term supporter of Henshaws.
Andy Bryer, retail director at Specsavers Harrogate, said:
“We were thrilled to sponsor BedFest again, now our third time around. It's a genuinely fantastic event that the whole community looks forward to.
“The work Henshaws does is life-changing, and we were thrilled to be a small part of that.
"Their dedicated staff and volunteers are truly inspiring, and they do so much for residents in and around Harrogate, so it's wonderful that all the proceeds go back into the community.’’
The money raised through Bed Fest helps Henshaws continue its mission to empower individuals with sight loss and disabilities to grow in confidence, gain independence, achieve their ambitions and live life to the full.
Events like BedFest raise much-needed funds to support Henshaws’ life-changing work at its Arts & Crafts Centre and beyond.
Clare Cunningham, fundraiser at Henshaws, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that BedFest raised an incredible £28,000 for Henshaws this year. We welcomed over 800 visitors for a brilliant day filled with energy, community spirit and fantastic live music.
"With 19 performances from talented local musicians and DJs across two stages, including our wonderful ambassadors DJ Rory Hoy and Leo Hicks, the atmosphere was truly electric.
“We served more than 2,000 drinks, with support from fantastic local breweries Harrogate Brewing Co and Turning Point Brewing Co.
"Huge thanks as well to our brilliant food vendors, 180° Streetfood and Sparkle and Magic, for keeping everyone fuelled with delicious Italian food and Brymor ice cream."
She added:
“We’re so grateful to our headline sponsor Specsavers, as well as every single person who attended, volunteered, performed, or supported the event in any way.
"Every penny raised will help Henshaws continue supporting people living with sight loss and other disabilities across the North of England. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
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