Anstey Barrow Race

In 1958, Albert Selby, the landlord at The Coach and Horses public house, suggested to a group of friends that a wheelbarrow race around Anstey might be fun, raise Anstey’s profile and raise money for charity at the same time.

It was decided to hold the first race on Tuesday May 19th 1959, which was Whit Tuesday.

The race was a huge success and over the next 10 years it grew to include attractions and stalls at the Anstey Nomads Ground, a Carnival Queen and attendants, a parade with bands and an evening Carnival Dance at the Martin high School.

The race began on the Top Green and finished in the Nook. All the main roads were closed to accommodate the thousands of people who came from all over Leicestershire to watch.

Most of the money raised was used locally; the village pensioners being a priority and each year every Anstey pensioner was given a cash handout.

The Barrow Race continued until 1969, when it ceased as a result of lack of people willing to help with the organisation.

It was revived, for one year, in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The following year it was decided to replace it with an annual Anstey Carnival, which in turn became the Anstey Gala, which is still held today.