Competitors from across Suffolk rolled up their sleeves and showcased their brute strength at a barrel race yesterday.
Recently named the seventh best silly event in Britain, thousands of people witnessed impressive feats of strength at the annual Westleton Barrel Fair, which has taken place over the last 60 years.
Armed with a six-foot oak stick competitors challenge one another to prod a metal beer barrel down the village green and then back up – ladies only have to race downhill – covering the 50metre course.
One wrong move and the barrel can career out of control, aiming straight for spectators lining the course.
Bradley Merle was announced the winner of the men’s allcomers race, while Chris Spall claimed first position in the overall men’s category.
Annabelle Elliot won the women’s allcomers contest before Jemma Ridley took the top honours in the overall women’s category.
Secretary of the organising committee Arlette Smith said it had been a “brilliant” day.
She added: “It was extremely well-attended, with around 2,000 people visiting.
“The whole community came out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
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