Leeds’ “Man with the Barrel” backstory shocks locals

In 2025, Leeds and Dortmund will celebrate 56 years of being twinned cities, a partnership dating back to 1969 – a fact relatively unknown by local residents.

Leeds’ “Man with the Barrel” statue sits in Dortmund Square, aptly named after the twin city who gifted them the statue in 1980, as recognition of the goodwill between the two places.

The statue has cheered up Leeds citizens for over four decades, however, not many people are aware of the story behind it.

One Yorkshire local showed their surprise behind the Dortmund connection: “I had no idea, I see the statue every day but I never knew the significance.”

Another person claimed: “I thought the barrel man resembled the city’s drinking culture.”

City twinning is not so common nowadays – it was more of a post-Second World War phenomenon, with European cities setting up connections to promote peace and understanding between communities that were once at odds with each other.

In a world of uncertainty, Leeds’ “Man with the Barrel” provides a necessary beacon of positivity and a reminder of the importance of cooperating with our European neighbours.

Dortmund is home to the world-famous football team Borussia Dortmund, who play in the top tier of German football.

The German major city has its very own “Barrel Man” situated in ‘Platz von Leeds’ at the centre of its urban area.