When to see the Grantchester barrel racing on Boxing Day

The traditional barrel race will take place in Grantchester on Boxing Day.

Kicking off from 12pm, it will see participants rolling large wooden barrels up and down Coton Road.

Teams compete - usually four at a time - to roll the barrels as fast as they can, without injuring the crowds, who have straw bales in front of them for protection.

There will be five races, with four team members per barrel.

The men’s race will begin the madcap proceedings at midday.

A ladies’ race, mixed family/household race of all ages and genders and a next generation race for those aged 16-25 will follow.

Entrants had to apply to take part in advance, with priority given to Grantchester residents, but everyone is welcome to watch the festivities, which will raise money for charity.

Liquid refreshments follow at the village pubs - followed by a picture special in the Cambridge Independent, which is out a day later than usual, on Thursday, December 28.