Thousands roll in for barrel race

Roll the Barrel has been running for 25 years

Thousands of people have rolled out the barrel in Denbigh in a traditional race around the square in the town centre.

The Boxing Day event was started 25 years ago to raise money for charity and has become a part of the Christmas celebrations.

It's something that started about 25 years ago by members and we have a few thousand people arriving to take part and spectate

Alwyn Thomas Denbigh Rotary Club

Spectators and competitors descended on the town from early morning to witness the famous race.

The barrel is pushed around the town square with straw bales marking the course.

Bryn Jones, landlord of the Vaults pub in Denbigh, said it makes the Christmas festivities special.

Atmosphere

"We have a junior section, a senior section and ladies can take part too.

"It really is a brilliant atmosphere - we used to have coaches come from all over but it's mainly local people now from the town and surrounding areas."

Alwyn Thomas has been a member of the local Rotary Club for 20 years and helps organise the event.

He said Denbigh is well known throughout Wales for its barrel competition.

Bryn Jones: Pubs enter local teams

"It's something that started about 25 years ago by members and we have a few thousand people arriving to take part and spectate.

"It's a lot of work but it is an excellent event for the town," he said.

The barrels used in the competition have been bought by Denbigh Rotary Club and are stored in Mr Thomas' warehouse.

Those brought out for the junior competition are purchased annually from the local brewery in Bodelwyddan.

There is no fee to enter the race and most competitors sign up on the day.

Local businesses sponsor the event and money raised is given to charities to help the young, elderly and disabled.