FUNDRAISERS rolled up to take part in the 25th anniversary bale push fundraiser in Crantock on Friday night despite the wet weather.

A hundred and six teams braved the unpredictable conditions to help raise money Cornwall Hospice Care as other local groups and organisations.

Crowds gathered to cheer on the bale pushers in their races, which included 43 junior teams in the three categories.

The ladies event was won for the 17th time by the Newquay Hockey Club team Chicks with Sticks in a time of two minutes and three seconds.

The open category, which is always hotly contested, saw last year’s winners Roll at Fat One power their way to another victory. Second and third places were closely fought with Kernow Strength and Conditioning just beating Going Commando. ‘

The 180’s, which are teams with combined ages of all members of the teams, saw the North Somerset Heavy Rollers win for the second year in a time of three minutes and 16 seconds.

A highlight for many was 1940’s crooner Andy Marshall who had spectators singing and dancing around the Memorial Hall, which helped to create a party atmosphere.

Visitors had the opportunity to grab a bite to eat from the barbecue and browse the stalls. They were also able to learn about the work of Cornwall Hospice Care, make purchases from the bale push merchandise suppliers Brand88 and buy handmade poppies from the Crantock Does Poppies stall.

The fun evening continued after the last race as the two village pubs had live music from The Quest and Black Friday to help the evening roll on until the early hours.

Bale push chairman Nigel Eustice said: “With rain and windy weather forecast it was a closed call whether to cancel our village event however it was decided that our brave bale pushers some who have travelled miles and planned their holidays around the Bale Push would take part even in the rain.

“The rain, other than a few showers held off long enough for us to get through all the races without competitors getting too wet. The wetter conditions made the bales much heavier and more difficult to control and push.

“Our much-loved Bale Man was located on the village triangle greeted the crowds as they arrived in the village.

“It is always good to see so many children taking part in the event and their happy smiling faces and competitive approach makes the event so worthwhile. Many of the youngsters taking part are the children of parents who themselves took part in previous years. The children’s races always have a special lighter weight bale and of course, lots of help from our marshals.”

The Bale Push has raised more than £171,500 since it began in 2000.

Bale Push spokesman Tony Brokenshire said: “We are all waiting with bated breath for the final figure of money raised this year, and we look forward to making donations to Cornwall Hospice Care and local community-based groups.

“But it will be a while before the final figure is known. We are so grateful to our sponsors Sharp’s Brewery, The Garage Company Ltd, Start and Co, Legacy Properties and David Ball Agencies for their sponsorship and to all the advertisers to support our Bale Push Magazine.

The fun continued the following day with an aptly named ‘Roll Over Party’ at Halwyn.

Mr Eustice said: “We are so grateful for the generosity and help from The Cornishman, Jam Jar Kitchen and Old Albion along with goodwill from all in the village and our much wider community.

“We have a big team of willing helpers and could not run the event without this support.

“We now look forward to our presentation evening in October where we catch up with supporters and representatives of Cornwall Hospice Care and local groups.”

Planning is already underway for the next Bale Push, which will be held on September 11 2026.

Pictures in video by @thisisnewquay