The London Pantomime Horse Race will return this Christmas with eccentric line-up to raise money for charity.
The twelfth annual London Pantomime Horse Race is set to return on December 14, with 20 teams battling through absurd obstacles on the streets of Southeast London to raise £20,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The festive street procession kicks off at 12:50pm by St. Mary’s Gate on King William Walk, with the horses released from the stalls at 1pm.
This year’s theme is ‘rockstars’, with race card names including the likes of Amy Winehorse, Liam Gallopher, and Paul McCartneigh.
Spectators can expect pub pit-stops, a variety of silly challenges, and bad dance moves making it a hilariously entertaining spectacle for all ages.
The event’s sole organiser, Mark Biddiss, launched the race in 2009 initially as a one-off fundraiser.
Biddiss, 52, said: “ I do the horse race every year, the main reason is to make people smile.
“It’s the time of year where we can get a bit down and, you know, especially those who are lonely like myself sometimes, you know, you need a bit of a cheer to keep going.”
“ To those kids who, who don’t have the opportunity I do. I had to go out and do these silly things.
“They’re stuck there in hospital fighting for their lives. And it’s good that we at this time of year literally give a thought to those kids, those children, and to their parents really, who are fighting on their behalf.”
In the event’s first year, Biddiss wanted to spark the imagination of the close-knit local community. Subsequently, intrigued spectators gathered outside local establishments to watch a handful of participants in horse costumes for the first annual race.
This year promises to be bigger, sillier, and more spectacular than ever, continuing a quirky Greenwich tradition.
Supporters can help raise donations by visiting their online ‘Back-a-Nag’ fundraiser and donating to their favourite rockstar, which will also help them secure a prime position on the start line.
Featured image credit: Mark Biddiss
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