What better way to work off Christmas dinner than by rolling a large wooden barrel down the road?

Dozens of Grantchester residents did just that as the took part in the village's annual barrel race today (December 26).

Teams of four from the village's pubs - the Rupert Brooke, the Blue Ball, the Green Man and the Red Lion - enjoyed a raucous race up and down Coton Road.

Revived in 2004, the relay event attracts hundreds of spectators to Grantchester on Boxing Day and raises money for the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire's Award Scheme.

Protected by a thin line of straw bales, the crowds cheer on family members and friends as they attempt to tumble a barrel along the road as fast as they can.

This year a men's, ladies', family and friends, 'next generation', 'honoured guests', and 'strong outdoor men' race took place, as teams battled to become barrel champions.

The Red Lion team took home the honours in the men's race, while the Blue Ball Ladies romped to victory in the next event.

Stuart Copeland, 34, from Perth, Australia, was over visiting family when he suddenly found himself taking part in the village's unique tradition.

"It was difficult," he said. "You're breathing in fresh air and it burns. The barrels are much heavier than they look and they don't like to stay straight."

Thankfully Stuart proved a natural at barrel rolling and helped his team - Honeysuckle Cottage - secured first place in their race.

"I assume it means free mulled wine for the rest of the day," Stuart joked.

One young spectator, Oskar Haggard, 10, up from London with his family, said that he "loved" watching the racing.

"It was entertaining," he said. "It seems really difficult, having to roll something that heavy."

Some barrel rollers brought a festive theme to their racing outfits - the Impington Elves came suitably dressed, but unfortunately brought up the rear in their race.

Grantchester Barrel Race on Boxing Day

Team member Nick Mansley, 52, from Cambridge, said: "We're all very tired. We've been very busy over the last few days making a lot of toys.

"Making a lot of toys is easier. These things are a bit wonky."

Elven colleague Harry Druiff, 56, also from Cambridge added: "I was stuck behind someone and I didn't want to run into them. You get barrel rolling injuries."

Taking part in his sixth event, Harry said the annual race was "brilliant" but not getting any easier.
"It might be alright if you're a publican who has barrels," he said. "It's tricky and the course isn't flat."

The IVC Impington Elves team was decked out for the occasion. Picture: Warren Gunn

Event organiser Francis Burkitt, district councillor for the village, has been the driving force behind its revival in recent years.

With six races and 96 participants he said the "brilliant" event was all about "the smiles" and even his son and daughter took part.

"The thing that really pleases me is that most of them live in the village or they are family or friends of people who live in the village," he added.

"Boxing Day is such a good day to do it. Everyone wants to get out. We had 45 minutes of fun and then we're down the pub."