Future of traditional wheelbarrow race in doubt

The Ponteland wheelbarrow race is thought to have been running since the 14th Century

A traditional New Year's Day wheelbarrow race is "under review" due to the costs of running it.

Thousands of people come out every year to watch competitors trundle along in wheelbarrows through Ponteland in Northumberland, while raising money for charity.

Conservative councillor Michaela Horncastle said organisers initially cancelled the 2026 event over the "cost of safety management". Northumberland County Council needs a certified traffic management company to be used for such events.

Steve Roberts, member of Ponteland 41 Club which organises the race, said it was still under review and it might be another two to three weeks before any final decisions could be made.

Horncastle, who represents Ponteland South and Heddon, said she was leading discussions around an alternative location to ensure the event could still take place.

Moving the route away from a main road would be cheaper for organisers to fund.

In previous years, the approximately 2km (1.25 mile) route started and finished at the Blackbird Inn on North Road, via Thornhill Road, and was stewarded by volunteers.

But Northumberland County Council said a certified traffic management company had to be used for a formal road closure as part of "national legal requirements to ensure the safety of the event and other road users".

A spokesperson from the Conservative-led authority said it was liaising with the event organiser, and it would prioritise any road closure application as soon as it was received.

The "important local and traditional event" is thought to have been running since the 14th Century, organisers Ponteland 41 Club previously said.

Horncastle said funds had been raised by local businesses, Ponteland Town Council and residents "to keep the race alive".

"I'm confident we're on the right path to see the race return safely on New Year's Day," she said.