Men taking part in the barrel race

Barrel rolling

The tradition of rolling large wooden barrels in a relay race up and down the Coton Road before lunch on Boxing Day was revived recently and has been very popular. Teams compete, usually four at a time to roll the empty barrels as rapidly as possible without injuring the crowds of spectators who risk life and limb while screaming encouragement from behind a thin wall of straw bales. All are welcome to enjoy an hour of eccentric, charity-funding mayhem followed by liquid refreshment in one of the local pubs. Races start at 12pm on 26th December.

For more information see the January 2024 issue of the magazine, page 14 & 15.

See photos from the a past event here.

(updated 30 12 2023)

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