Kington’s iconic wheelbarrow race prepares to hit 50 – here’s all you need to know about the special edition

Kington’s iconic wheelbarrow race will return to the town for its 50th anniversary year on Saturday, June 13th with all eyes on the crazy costumes the racers come up with.

This year the committee have chosen a theme which is 70s TV sitcom in line with the race being organised and run for 50 years!

Known as one of the best nights out in town, local celebrity John Hussey will be back by popular demand on the microphone, providing his inimitable commentary.

With luck, John Hussey will be joined by a surprise guest who promises to add some additional entertainment for the evening.

Guilty as Charged will be providing some excellent music before and after the race so don’t miss that!

M&S pizzas will be serving their delicious pizzas from Cloud 9 car park so be sure to grab a pizza whilst soaking up the atmosphere.

Rumour has it that the wonderful Kington puppets Harry and Aggy will be making a special appearance at this year’s wheelbarrow race. Their recent activities have been posted on Kington Chat so go along to the wheebarrow race and see what they are up to!

Hundreds of people usually line the main street to see the fantastic fancy dress costumes and watch the speed and agility of the competitors.

There will be prizes for the best dressed barrow in men’s, ladies and mixed groups and prizes for the fastest competitors to make it around each of the town’s pubs for a swift half before making it over the finishing line. This year there will be about 10 stops.

All entrants need to be ready for registration and judging at 6pm at Kington Primary School playground before moving to Doctor’s Lane for the start, led by the town’s Festival attendees.

The race will start at 7pm with the speedsters first and then the fancy dress entrants. Entry costs £5 per person. Roads will be closed to traffic from 6pm until 8.30pm approximately.

Local firefighters will conduct a blanket collection during the evening, and people are urged to bring loose change and show support for the festival.

This year’s Festival attendees will help with the prize giving which will take place outside the Market Hall.

Chairman of Kington Festival Emma Hancocks said: "We are very much looking forward to the wheelbarrow race, it’s amazing to think this iconic event has been running for 50 years.

“Labelled as one of the best evenings in Kington, we are sure, everyone is looking forward to it as well. Let’s make sure this is a night to remember.

“We can't wait to see the crowds and as always, we thank you, our community for supporting our event.

“A special thank you goes to all our sponsors for their financial support towards this event; without support like this, wheelbarrow race wouldn't happen.”