People Dressed As Horses Dressed As Star Wars Characters Race Around London This Sunday

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 51 months ago

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People Dressed As Horses Dressed As Star Wars Characters Race Around London This Sunday
Photo: Panto Horse Race

London's not short of people making an ass of themselves at Christmas, but things ramp up a notch on Sunday when the London Pantomime Horse race trots into town.

Now in its 10th year, the race sees 30 teams of people dressed as panto horses race around Greenwich. This year, there's a Star Wars theme, so make that teams of people dressed as pantomime horses... dressed as Star Wars characters. Jedi lose you yet?

Photo: Panto Horse Race

Before the race kicks off, there's a free, open-air pre-race ceremony. Everyone's welcome into the grounds of Devonport House (next to the National Maritime Museum) for an absolutely bonkers show. Strictly Neigh Dancing is a Star Wars-themed panto-horse dance-off contest, accompanied by a singer calling herself Princess Leia.

The London Humanist Choir performs an alternative medley of classics hits, and a specially written Star Wars parody song. Plus, Star Wars costuming group the 501st UK Garrison is bringing along a battalion of Stormtroopers, a team of Jedi and Droids, and possibly a couple of Imperial Scout Troopers on Speederbikes.

Photo: Panto Horse Race

Like we said, bonkers. And that's before the race itself begins. Be part of the crowd escorting the horses to King William Walk at 1pm to see them set off. The 30 teams race along King William Walk, Nevada Street and Burney Street to the finish line at Royal Hill... but it's not that simple.

Photo: Panto Horse Race

There are six pubs they have to make a pitstop at along the route to collect points (Kings Arms, Greenwich Tavern, Ye Olde Rose & Crown, Oliver's Jazz Bar, Richard I and The Union). Obstacles including steeplechases, and space hoppers are placed in their way for maximum hilarity as the horses head for the finish line and the after-race show.

Here's a teaser trailer for this year's event:

The London Pantomime Horse Race 2019, Sunday 15 December, Greenwich, 11am-3.30pm. It's free to watch, but the event is in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation, so make a donation if you find yourself entertained. (And frankly how could you not be.)

Last Updated 11 December 2019

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