Allendale Tar Bar’l
The rain beated down relentlessly. The crowds huddled together like penguins in the Arctic, as the wind howled and whipped our faces like sharp steel. Why be outside on a night such as this?
Well it was a very special night. The last night of the year to be precise. My family and I braved the stormy weather to ring in the new year, with the celebration of the Allendale Tar Bar’l (barrels).
Locals and visitors alike gather in the small village of Allendale, Northumberland to watch 45 men, known as guisers, parade through with torched whisky barrels. Each guiser places the flaming barrel above his head and marches proudly towards Bar’l Fire - a pre-built bonfire that’s positioned in the heart of the village. A marching band leads the way, playing upbeat and encouraging tunes. The men throw their barrels to ignite the bonfire as everyone bellows, “Be damned to he who throws last.”
Who is allowed to take part in this traditional procession? Only men who have been born in the Allen Valley can become guisers - a position that is usually handed down through local families. In the history books, only one woman has ever taken part. Miss Vesta Peart joined the procession in the 1950s. She was permitted as a thank you for creating the costumes for the guisers. Oh yes, did I forget to mention that all the men dress up?
Typically, they wear traditional folklore costumes, but over the years, that has given way to fancy dress. 2024 seemed as though it was Star Wars themed!
As the procession piled into the village square, the wind blew sparks of fire across the sky (and sometimes on us). It was magnificent, like fireflies glowing and dancing across the chilly. Some believe that Tar Bar was a tradition set to ward off evil spirits before the new year commences. You could feel that energy vibrating through. As the bonfire raged, the coldness melted away and the crowd joined in with a chorus of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as the marching band played on.
This fiery ceremony has been taking place for the last 160 years, according to folklore. Though it is believed that the tradition began in the Middle Ages.
The event is free and not ticketed. You can arrive anytime, although I would recommend coming just an hour before midnight. Cram yourselves into the only two pubs Allendale has and rejoice in the festivities. Pre-book your taxi! I had rung a few days before and made sure we secured passage. After midnight, there isn’t much else to do in the village, so I’d say leave around quarter past.
I know that sounds very early, but nothing makes you feel more grateful than bundling into a warm vehicle and beating the traffic out. We arrived back at Langley Castle, popped a bottle of champagne and cheered in 2025! Would we go again? Absolutely!
There is something really wonderful about this north east tradition carrying on for over a century. The locals are robust - come rain or shine - they will be out carrying those barrels. It’s unique, weird and wonderful. You get caught up in the rhythmic beating of the drum and face painted men steel past you towards the great, big bonfire. Trade in the fireworks and revel in The Night of the Burning Barrels.
