Oxenhope Straw Race - The Chippendales?

The fun continued well after the finish of the Oxenhope Straw Race, as you can see in this cheeky shot. One of the teams entertains the crowd outside of the Dog and Gun at Oxenhope.

Oxenhope Straw Race 2013

I spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Oxenhope Straw Race today.  Contestants have to carry a bale of straw from pub to pub around the village of Oxenhope, stopping off at each holstelry to down a pint of ale.  Most of the participants are in fancy dress, so there is a carnival atmosphere, and the event raises money for charity.  I was impressed with this band who managed to push their stage around with them, with all their gear inside (generator, amps, full drum kit, the lot), and up some seriously steep hills!

Lamb Inn - Oxenhope Straw Race

Contestants in the Oxenhope Straw Race leaving the Lamb Inn after downing a quick beer.

Oxenhope Straw Race

The village of Oxenhope lies about nine miles West of Bradford and is probably best known as the terminus for the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The village is also famous for its annual Straw Race. Contestants in the race have to down a pint of ale at each pub in the village whilst carrying a large bale of straw, not an easy task as there are some seriously steep hills to negotiate. The event is to raise money for local charities and most individuals and teams compete in fancy dress.