Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough today (Thursday 12th June) celebrated the iconic Knaresborough Bed Race in the House of Commons.
He called on the Leader of the House to wish participants good luck, thank the event’s organisers, and make time for a parliamentary debate on the value of unique cultural and sporting events across the UK.
The Knaresborough Bed Race is once again expected to draw approximately 30,000 spectators this Saturday (14th June) and features around 100 teams racing through the town’s streets and riverside paths.
This year, Tom and his parliamentary team are taking part in the race themselves. They are using the opportunity to raise funds for Knaresborough Town AFC, supporting the club’s efforts to secure a much-needed new 3G pitch.
The campaign follows Tom’s ongoing work on behalf of the club. After visiting last year and raising concerns about the condition of the existing pitch with the Minister for Culture, Media, and Sport, Tom helped secure a visit from the Football Foundation. The Foundation has since promised financial support towards the new pitch.
Tom and his team are well on their way to reaching their £500 fundraising goal and are encouraging anyone who wishes to support grassroots sport to contribute.
In Parliament, Tom highlighted the importance of the Bed Race as a valued local tradition and thanked the Knaresborough Lions for their role in making it happen each year. He called for formal recognition of their efforts and stressed the importance of celebrating local traditions that build community spirit and support charitable causes.
Tom and his team are grateful to Sharon at Harrogate International Festivals for kindly lending them a bed for this year’s race. They’re looking forward to taking part on Saturday and wish all the other teams the best of luck.
Commenting, Tom said:
“The Knaresborough Bed Race is a much-loved local tradition that brings people together and raises vital funds for good causes. It’s a real highlight of the year for many in our community. I was pleased to highlight it in Parliament today and to take part this year with my team in support of Knaresborough Town AFC."
“Thanks to the Knaresborough Lions for their hard work organising the race, and to Sharon at Harrogate International Festivals for helping us get to the start line with a bed to race with.”
Watch the moment Tom highlights the Knaresborough Bed Race in Parliament.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event
