FOR a dramatic show of fire and marching men – why not head to Allendale this New Year’s Eve?

The town’s traditional tar bar’l festival has been a mainstay for generations, and preparations are well under way for the latest spectacular offering.

Crowds are set to flock to the Market Square for an evening of celebration – leading up to the main event at midnight.

An army of men, who according to tradition must be from the parish, will parade around the Market Square carrying flaming barrels of fire on their heads.

They will march to a pre-built bonfire, on to which the burning barrels will be offloaded, as onlookers sing Auld Lang Syne.

Michael Wilkinson (33) has been carrying a tar bar’l since he was a teenager.

He said: “It certainly warms up a cold winter’s night, and its something that is passed down the generations from father to son.

“I’ve always enjoyed it, and the atmosphere is always a bit special.”

There are often 40 or more guisers in the parade, with many of them wearing specially-made colourful costumes which have also been passed down the generations.

Memorably in 2013, veteran guiser Allen Smith led the parade at the age of 101. Although he didn’t carry a heavy barrel, Allen proudly held aloft a torch.

Allen is now 105, while his brother Lawrence is 97. Both started carrying barrels as teenagers, and continue to take a keen interest in the event.