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.
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