The Allendale Baal Fire - 31 Dec 2014
Channel: JustSwanningAround
Date: 2015-01-02

The Allendale Baal Fire takes place in the old lead mining heart of the North Pennines AONB in Allendale, Northumberland. It is a celebration of the past 12 months and the coming year. Although reputedly a Pagan ceremony it actually was started in 1858.
The cut down barrels, full of paraffin soaked woodchips and candle wax are carried on the head of ‘guisers’ (meaning those in disguise, or costume). The right to carry a barrel is hereditary and the guisers wear a bizarre mix of outfits, ancient and modern. Stout gloves help protect fingers from the fire and flat hats insulate and cushion the head against the burning barrels which weigh 30lb or so.
After walking around the centre of the town, the guisers return to the large central Market Place, to throw their barrels onto the Baal Fire at midnight. And for many locals, that is just the start of a long night of celebrations!
Videoed handheld with an Olympus OM-D E-M1, 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens and Rode Stereo VideoMic with DeadKitten Windshield.
© Chris Atkinson 2014