This time-honoured tradition features two teams who pull against each other from opposite sides of the River Nidd.
The Half Moon pub goers pull on a rope against those of Mother Shipton’s Inn on the other and ‘heave-ho’ in an attempt to pull the other team into the water in this annual Knaresborough event.
The competition started at 12pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024 with men’s and women’s teams competing at Low Bridge in Knaresborough.
Here are some of the best photos from the event.

1. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War 2024
Participants ‘heave-ho’ed’ competitively during the tug of war event. Photo: Simon Hulme

2. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War 2024
Observers watched on as many participated in the tug of war. Photo: Simon Hulme

3. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War 2024
One half of the group pulled the rope during the tug of war event. Photo: Simon Hulme

4. Knaresborough Boxing Day Tug o’ War 2024
The other side tug on the rope in the hopes of pulling the other team into the water. Photo: Simon Hulme
