First launched in 1968, this long-standing festive tradition held the day after Christmas will see teams from two of Knaresborough’s best-loved and most historic pubs – the Half Moon Free House and Mother Shipton Inn – compete in a tug-of-war contest across the River Nidd.
The two pubs’ men's and women's teams will pull a rope across the River Nidd at Low Bridge, raising funds for local charities and drawing a crowd of 1,000 people of more.
The men’s team from The Mother Shipton Inn beat their rivals The Half Moon pub 2-0, while the score was reversed for the ladies’ teams, with the Half Moon team winning 2-0.
1. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War
The mens team from The Mother Shiptons Inn pull themselves to a 2-0 victory over rivals The Half Moon pub. Photograph by Tony Johnson. 26th December 2025. Photo: Tony Johnson
2. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War
The ladies team from The Half Moon pub pull themselves to a 2-0 victory over rivals The Mother Shiptons Inn. Photograph by Tony Johnson. 26th December 2025. Photo: Tony Johnson
3. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War
Hundreds of people watch the spectacular Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War between the Mother Shiptons Inn and The Half Moon Pub. Photograph by Tony Johnson. Photo: Tony Johnson
4. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug of War
The annual Boxing Day event has taken place since 1968. Photograph by Tony Johnson. Photo: Tony Johnson