An annual St George’s Day wheelbarrow race will celebrate its 62nd anniversary when it takes place on Sunday on Pinner High Street.
As one of the oldest medieval boroughs of Harrow Manor, Pinner has numerous longstanding traditions, with Ye Olde Village Wheelbarrow Race being one of them.
The race has taken place every year since 1963 and sees over 15 teams compete along the high street, drinking half a pint of beer each as they go from pub to pub.
Pinner Rotary Club spokesperson Malcom Mitchell said: “The Wheelbarrow race has a long tradition in Pinner and Rotary arranged the event over the past decade or so.
“It’s a unique attraction and highlights the St George’s Day celebration.”
Over 1,000 people are expected to attend and this year brings the addition of live band RAZORZ plus a classic car show to ramp up the celebrations.
Proceeds from the day support charities My Yard and Help Change Lives, and The Queen’s Head pub and Yako restaurant sponsor the event, along with estate agent Gibbs Gillespie.
The Queen’s Head, which dates back to 1540, plays a central role in the celebrations as it hosts the iconic morris dancing on its doorstep.
Mitchell said: “People are very supportive, and the council has been very supportive.
“The local estate agent company Gibbs Gillespie sponsors us, and they are the main sponsor of the event.
“Without their support, we couldn’t put on the event.”
The celebrations will start at 12pm, with the ringing of the bell in the Parish Church and will end by 5pm, with the race kicking off at 3pm.
Pinner councillor Norman Stevenson said: “It’s really important for the local community and the crowds grow bigger every year. It brings everyone together.”
Mitchell added: “We get more numbers, and they stay longer, and they help the local businesses, and they help our charities and that’s great.”
Participants of the race often wear fancy dress and winners often train for the event.
Mitchell said: “The guys who have won it the last couple of years are fantastically good.
“They train for it, so they’ve actually worked hard.
“Others are, let’s say, more amateurish in their approach.”
With many residents claiming Pinner is the first true village as you leave central London, the wheelbarrow race and its surrounding celebrations recollect times gone by.
The tradition brings together a community and serves as a way to remember English heritage.
Mitchell said: “It’s rather British, in a way.
“I think it’s quite eccentric, It’s colourful, it’s entertaining.
“I think it’s a big draw.”
For more information on the event, visit the Pinner Rotary Club’s website for a detailed schedule.
Feature image credit: Pinner Rotary Club
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