yep--it is barrels of tar (or barls or barrells)
marching on the way to a big bonfire

http://www.go-britain.com/html/allendale.htm
http://www.north-country.co.uk/tar-barrels.htm
http://gouk.about.com/od/firefestivalsintheuk/qt/TarBarl_Fest.htm
http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/england/northumberland/festivals/december/allendale-tar-barrel-burning.html
http://www.halikeld.f9.co.uk/traditions/allen/allen2.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSdzje_PL40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkRmTLrhNys&feature=related