IF you're looking for a barrel of fun on Boxing Day then Denbigh is the place to go.

Those wanting some healthy fresh air after the Christmas celebrations should head to Denbigh High Street for a morning of thrills, spills and excitement at the 61st running of The Championship of Wales Roll the Barrel competition.

The competition has moved on since the early days when men and women competed in the same heats – there are now separate races, with the winners receiving a commemorative cup.

Also introduced a few years ago is a team competition where teams of two, men, women, or mixed compete, again for a trophy.

On a separate course, in Crown Square, juniors can race against the clock using a smaller barrel.

These races run for most of the morning, with the winners receiving medals at the end of the event.

Entry is free to all heats, and made on the morning of the event.

Limited places are available so entries are on a first come, first served basis, but competitors must sign an injury disclaimer.

The team races promise plenty of spills and crashes (stout shoes and gloves are advised).

A popular fixture now, there will also be a parade of vintage tractors, which will be driven across the High Street at around 10.15am.

Another traditional Boxing Day attraction in Denbigh for almost a century is the Flint and Denbigh Hunt and Hounds and are usually in attendance at around 10.30am.

The main event, The Championship of Wales Roll the Barrel, starts around 11am.

Knockout Heats are held for the Men’s, Ladies and Team events preceding the finals.

The starter will be the current Rotary President, Walter Roberts.

Also present to start a few races will be the mayor Cllr Alyn Ashworth.

The MC this year will be Rotarian Ifor John Jones, assisted by Glyn Owens, John Sellers and Dilwyn Pierce (Y Tri Digri) as they guide us through the morning’s events.

All the morning’s events take place subject to weather conditions.

The Rotary Club of Denbigh, which last year donated more than £11,000 to worthy causes, will be circulating with collecting buckets.

In addition, raffle tickets will be available with prizes of £500, £200 and £100, with all proceeds going to Rotary charities. The draw will take place just after midday, during the prize giving.

The Rotary Club of Denbigh are extremely grateful to all businesses and individuals who kindly sponsor the event and are grateful for the generosity of the people and businesses within the local area

To allow the event to take place there will be a road closure from HSBC Bank on Vale Street to Lenton Pool. Residents and businesses will need to move their vehicles away from that area by 9am on Boxing Day.