Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 28th, 2026
•Excitement is building for the Harrogate Theatre Onesie Derby, a delightful event set to take place at Ripon Racecourse on 31st August. This unique race is designed for children aged 5 to 8, giving them the chance to dash down the final furlong while dressed in their favourite animal onesies. The event promises to be a visual feast, with little racers dressed as unicorns, tigers, sharks, dinosaurs, and more, creating a scene that is sure to be adorable and memorable.
Event Details
The Onesie Derby is not just about racing; it’s a fun-filled day for families. Admission is completely free for children, and an accompanying adult can also enter without charge. Each young participant will receive a medal and delicious horse-themed chocolate, making it a rewarding experience for all. To join in the fun, parents are encouraged to sign up their children as soon as possible since places are limited. This can be done by clicking here.
Supporting Harrogate Theatre
This event is organised by Ripon Races in support of the Harrogate Theatre, a local charity that relies on donations and fundraising to keep its community, educational, and performance programmes running. Box office sales only cover a small part of its expenses, so events like the Onesie Derby are crucial for funding local initiatives.
Costume Fun and Fundraising
On the day of the event, Harrogate Theatre will be on-site, providing costume options for kids to dress up and enjoy the festivities even more. This initiative not only entertains but also raises awareness about the importance of theatre and community engagement.
Natalie Rawel, Head of Marketing and Development at Harrogate Theatre, expressed her enthusiasm:
“The support we receive from Ripon Races strengthens our connection with the local community and helps us bring more businesses and community groups together, raising greater awareness of the power of Theatre and Sport. Having a Onesie Derby is a fantastic way to bring families together. The atmosphere will be brilliant, and we are really looking forward to the buzz on the day, the onesies, and the fantastic turnout.”
Community Spirit
James Hutchinson, Managing Director at Ripon Races, echoed this sentiment:
“We’re delighted to be working alongside Harrogate Theatre on this project. We pride ourselves on being an accessible, family racecourse with free entry for accompanied under 18s on all racedays. Add in some free activities for children over on the Course on 31st August, and we have a Family Fun Day for all to enjoy.”
