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 November issue of the magazine, page 19.
See photos from the a past event here.
Pingback: 10 of the best winter festivals and events over Christmas and New Year | ✈ via vola
Pingback: Winter Solstice at Stonehenge and other U.K events over Christmas and New Year | Stonehenge Guided Trips
Pingback: Remember the barrel race on Boxing Day! :: Grantchester
I was actually looking for info on UK barrel racing for horses and this popped up but couldn’t resist leaving a comment. This looks like a lot of fun for my husband to do will have to get his schedule figured out for December. Very funny thanks for sharing.
Finally attended the barrel rolling this year (live in nearby Lt Shelford). Was great fun. Can I suggest a ‘Churches Challenge’ race next year, e.g. Grantchester, Trumpington, Gt Shelford & Lt Shelford?