Ottery Tar Barrels

Every year, for reasons lost in antiquity, Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of thousands of townsfolk and visitors. The Tar Barrels event is the most famous and unique tradition in Ottery St Mary. It usually occurs annually on Bonfire Night, November 5th. Locals carry flaming tar barrels through the streets, creating a thrilling spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide. To be a Barrel Roller you have to be born in Ottery or own a business.

Ottery St. Mary is internationally renowned for its Tar Barrels, an old custom said to have originated in the 17th century, and is held each year. It is believed to be a way of celebrating the defeat of the Gunpowder Plotters, but may have pagan routes too. There is a smaller barrel for children and often three generations of “Ottregians” are running with the barrels on the same night.

Each of Ottery's central public houses sponsors a single barrel. In the weeks prior to the day of the event, November 5th, the barrels are soaked with tar. The barrels are lit outside each of the pubs in turn and once the flames begin to pour out, they are hoisted up onto local people's backs and shoulders. Barrels are carried throughout the town with the rollers and the crowd moving between pubs and sites of old pubs. The evening finishes in the town square with the largest barrel known as the Midnight Barrel.

It is a very popular event, and attracts up to 15,000 visitors from all over the world. The roads are closed from about 4pm but there are buses and coaches laid on to bring people into the town and take them back afterwards. It is a unique and exciting event that is a great way to celebrate Bonfire Night.

Make sure to arrive early - this is one of the most popular events of the year!