Town Events
One of the awesome things about living in Knaresborough is the amount of local events that happen in the town. These events are organised by incredible volunteers from the Knaresborough community who gladly use their time and skills to help the town come together to socialise, have fun and to raise money or funds for the local community.
New Year’s Day Duck Race (January)
Imagine the scenes as thousands of rubber ducks are dropped from High Bridge to race toward the finish line at Marigolds Café. Is there a better way to start the new year? More information and rubber duck sponsorship (Prizes to be won!) are available at Knaresborough Cricket Club
Knaresborough Community Festival (April)
The festival is a fantastic day for local residents and community groups alike. Organised by Knaresborough Connectors this is the perfect way to find out what is going on in our town, and to meet and experience local community and interest groups. www.Knaresboroughconnectors.org.uk
The Knaresborough Bunny Hunt (April/May)
Keep your eyes peeled at Easter time for this in and around the shops of Knaresborough. Families are invited to grab a map and hunt down uniquely hand-painted ceramic bunnies hidden in shops all round the town. Particularly fun for little ones with beady eyes!
The Great Knaresborough Bed
Race (June)
Takes place on the second weekend of June, and held every year since 1966 (with the exception of recent pandemics). A fantastic day jam packed full of beautifully decorated beds, and athletic prowess as runners take on both the river Nidd and the hilly 2.4 mile Knaresborough course. What makes the day even better is that it is run by the Knaresborough Lions who use this day to raise much needed funds for brilliant local causes. The Great Knaresborough Bed Race – Knaresborough Bed Race
FEVA (August)
For 10 days in August Knaresborough turns pink when the Knaresborough Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts comes to town. The town is awash with pop up art, street entertainment, workshops and performers from the worlds of comedy, spoken word and music. The Festival rounds off with a party in the park at Knaresborough House, tying in nicely with the Lions Beer Festival.
Bright Friday (November)
Marks the start of the town’s festive calendar of events. Think street food, mulled wine and local entertainment. This great celebration is a celebration of light, positivity and community.
The Christmas Tree Festival
Imagine over 100 beautiful and individually decorated (by local people and groups) Christmas trees all in one place. If this doesn’t get you in the mood for Christmas, nothing will! Christmas Trees are displayed at St John’s Church throughout December. Book early to avoid yuletide disappointment.
Christmas Market
On the first weekend of December the Market is bustling with stalls offering seasonal goods, gifts and delicious locally sourced produce. Seasonal cheer is also brought through local entertainment with music of many varieties from local groups.
Welcome to Knaresborough Christmas Market! — Knaresborough Christmas Market
Christmas Nativity
Christmas eve is a great time to remember the ‘reason for the season’, with the story of Mary and Joseph re-enacted in the Market Place where families and friends can come together to watch the donkey carry Mary, enjoy the Christmas story and sing carols with the accompaniment of the Knaresborough Silver Band.
Tug O’ War
The Tug O’War is a long standing Boxing Day tradition in Knaresborough. For more than 50 years, teams from the Half Moon and Mother Shipton pubs have done battle on opposing banks of the Nidd with a very long rope. Whichever team loses faces the prospect of sliding down the mud and, if they are unable to stop in time, into the Nidd. Where else would you rather be on Boxing day!
Here are some other key events that happen in the town – Please click on the relevant link to find out more about them:
Crag Rat Run . Knaresborough Cricket Ground – End of September Knaresborough Crag Rat Run
Firework Displays. Various Locations. Bonfire Weekend
Remembrance Sunday Service & Parade. Castle Grounds . 13 Nov Royal British Legion
Winter Fayre. Market Place. 10 Dec 2022 Knaresborough Business Collective
Knaresborough YFC Tractor Run Knaresborough Tractor Run
Spring Fayre. Market Place Knaresborough Business Collective
Henshaws Beer Festival . Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre Beer Festival – Henshaws
Calcutt Gala Calcutt Gala August 21, 2022