HSO team tackles the Knaresborough Bed Race 2026

June 8, 2026

A team from HSO will be taking part in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race – a wonderfully unique event that combines colourful fancy dress with a demanding 2.4‑mile time trial, finishing with a memorable splash across the River Nidd.

This year, the sixth time the orchestra has had a team in the race, we are proud to be raising funds for HSO’s Charity of the Year, Harrogate Music Centre.

On Saturday 13th June, our team of six will once again take on the challenge, pushing bed and passenger over a mix of grass, tarmac and cobbles. The course includes the infamous steep climb before the dash back down the High Street and into the river. Our runners come from across the orchestra this year, representing strings, brass and woodwind – plus a guest runner from the Music Centre.

Before the race begins, the focus turns to the ever-popular parade through the town centre, where teams showcase their creative designs. This year’s theme is ‘Swinging Sixties’, and we’re excited to reveal that our bed will be transformed into the Magic Roundabout – so keep an eye out for some familiar characters along the route!

While we’re not aiming for a podium finish, we’re certainly hoping for another fantastic day of fun and fundraising. If you’d like to support Harrogate Music Centre and our Bed Race efforts, please visit our Just Giving page.