The Northumberland Village of Allendale celebrate the New Year with a unique
Pagan ceremony at mid night each year, with a colourful procession
through the town to the Baal fire.
A selected hereditary team of 45 barrel carriers known as Guisers dressed in
fancy dress carry flaming whiskey barrels through the streets to the town centre
where they are used to ignite a ceremonial bonfire, as everyone shouts
"Be Damned to He Who Throws Last"
The barrels which can weigh 15 kg (30
lbs) filled with burning hot tar are carried by the Guisers on their heads, the
flames leaping up to the dark night skies with sparks giving a spectacular
sight.
The Guisers some of whom have held
their right to carry the flaming barrels for more than half a century had the
honour passed from their fathers and intend to pass it on down through the
family.
Without documentary evidence of the
roots to the centuries old festival local folklore gives theories of being
Viking in origin with possible Paganism roots in fire worship.
Allendale nestled in the North
Pennines, south of the Tyne attracts spectators from far and wide each year so
book accommodation early and wrap up well.
