“Pimp My Barrow” returns to Norwich’s UEA

One of the teams from last year's Pimp my Barrow. Students dressed as Marvel characters in the Age of Ultron film which was filmed at the UEA.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

A pile of 62 wheelbarrows have arrived at the University of East Anglia in Norwich ready for collection by students taking part in a Pimp My Barrow contest to benefit cancer charity Big C.

This will be the 10th year of the event, which involves students decorating barrows to a theme and getting dressed up for a day of fun, parades and races.

Lynne Simpkin, head of student opportunities at the UEA's student union, said this year's Pimp My Barrow, to take place on June 4, was already shaping up to be a great day.

She said: 'The tickets were sold out within three hours so there will be 1,500 students taking part, which is brilliant.

'They all put a lot of work into it and some of the designs they come up with are amazing.

'One year they turned a wheelbarrow to the Titanic, and another team turned two wheelbarrows into a limousine which someone rode around in all day.'

Superheroes, surf lifesavers and the Moulin Rouge have also provided memorable themes of recent years.

After the decorated wheelbarrows are judged at the university's main square, they are paraded through the streets to Eaton Park for a wheelbarrow races.

Big C chief executive Dr Chris Busby said he was thrilled about the continuing success of Pimp My Barrow.

He said: 'Who would have thought that racing a dressed up wheelbarrow whilst wearing fancy-dress would be such a fantastic fundraiser?

'I am full of admiration for the enthusiasm and energy of all the UEA students who have staged this fabulous event through the parks and streets of Norwich.'

Do you have a story about an event in Norwich? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk