THE Tar Barrel Challenge of 2016, being held this Saturday (August 6) to raise funds for Hatherleigh’s famous Tar Barrels, is hotting up.

As well as a chance for teams of four to show off their speed, skill and agility in racing a single tar barrel on a sled against the clock along Hatherleigh’s streets, there will be plenty of entertainment as well, including music, stalls, a raffle and many other attractions. An honesty box will accept contributions for ‘tar barrel selfies’ — a head-through-the-hole panel depicting the flaming tar barrels in a humorous style and visitors will be able to photograph themselves pretending to be in a real tar barrel team.

‘There is enough going on all day for this to be almost a mini-festival,’ said committee member Eddie Edwards, who leads the challenge project.

‘We invite everyone to come along and enjoy our day, whether running the barrel or simply listening to the music. The Hatherleigh Tar Barrels have been going since at least 1855 and are among only a few left in England. It’s important for us to raise funds to help keep the tradition alive.’

There is still time to enter a team added Eddie: ‘Go online beforehand by visiting our Facebook page “Tar Barrel Challenge 2016”, where you’ll find latest updates and an entry form. Or, on the day, simply come along to the start line outside the Co-op Supermarket in Bridge Street.’

Tar barrel racing starts at 2pm for children’s teams (under 14 years) and at 4pm for adult teams in male, female and YFC classes. Teams of four will pull a single barrel on a sled up Bridge Street to The Square where they will leave the barrels to overcome a series of hay bale barriers and a tunnel before finally skip-jumping through a series of tyres. After successfully negotiating these obstacles teams will pull the tar barrel back to the start.

There are medals and money prizes for the fastest teams in each class. Teams can compete in fancy dress if they wish, with a special award for the winners in that class.

People who wish to attend are advised that road closures will apply to parts of Bridge Street and The Square from about 1pm onwards.