The Ackworth PramFest
The Ackworth PramFest can trace its origins back to 1972, set up to support a struggling family. Read the full story below of how this small event has turned in to the large festival it is today.
The Story of the PramFest
In 1972, Ackworth labourer, Frederick Nicholls sadly passed away, aged 44, leaving four children, Kevin, Lindsey, Anne and Andrew orphaned. Their mum had passed four years earlier and Frederick's estate didn't leave much for them. This is when the people of Ackworth came together to help raise some money for them.
Four of Frederick's friends, Fred Strutt, Sam Lloyd, Ernest Wood and Eddie Eton all donned fancy dress and pushed each other in decorated prams from Pontefract to The British Legion Club in Ackworth and the Pram Race, as it was known then, was born. The inaugural race raised £115 for the four children and an annual tradition was born.
Sadly, this wasn't to last and after a few years, the Pram Race fell away. That was until in 2015 when a group of local residents decided to resurrect it. The Pram Race now runs from Carr Bridge in Ackworth to The Cricket Club on Wakefield road with around 20-30 teams competing each year. The event then continues at the Cricket Club with a festival of live music, fun and games with around 3,000 attendees each year.
In 2022, the event was rebranded as the Ackworth PramFest to encapsulate the much larger event it is today. The race is still an integral part of the day however with the live bands, DJ, food, drink and rides, the Ackworth PramFest is a big event for our village. The charitable foundations remain with all money going to good causes and the vast majority of people work, perform and volunteer with no remuneration.
With over 50 years of heritage, we hope that we continue for many more. Please come along to the next one.