Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels 2025

PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICIAL ORGANISERS PAGE FOR UPDATED EVENT INFORMATION

https://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/

Every year on the 5th November (unless it falls on a Sunday), Ottery St Mary hosts the iconic Tar Barrels: fiery flaming barrels soaked in tar, carried through the town’s streets by “Barrel Rollers” to the delight of locals and visitors alike. The tradition goes back centuries, possibly to post-Gunpowder Plot celebrations or older pagan ritual cleansings. The event starts in the evening, with smaller barrels carried by children earlier in the day and larger, more dramatic barrels later, culminating in the “Midnight Barrel” in the town square. Fireworks and a fairground are often part of the event, and roads are closed from around late afternoon.

History of the Tar Barrels

The precise origin isn’t fully documented, but the event is believed to be at least several centuries old. Some historians link it to pagan rituals, where fire was used for cleansing or to ward off evil spirits at the turning of the seasons. Others suggest it began as part of the Gunpowder Plot celebrations in the early 17th century, when fire festivals and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes became common across England.

Unlike the more familiar bonfire traditions, Ottery St Mary developed its own unique twist. Instead of just burning barrels in place, the townsfolk began soaking barrels in tar, setting them alight, and carrying them through the streets. One theory is that it started as a way of purifying or “fumigating” the roads, with the smoke believed to cleanse the town of bad luck or disease. Over time, it evolved into a test of courage and strength for locals.

The right to carry a barrel is not open to anyone — it’s a hereditary honour, passed down through families in the town. Children and women carry smaller barrels earlier in the evening, while the larger, flaming barrels are carried by men later on. Each of the town’s pubs sponsors a barrel, and different families are traditionally tied to other establishments.

Despite the dangers, the Tar Barrels have survived centuries of attempted bans and changing attitudes. In the Victorian era and later, there were occasional calls to stop it on safety grounds, but the people of Ottery fiercely defended their tradition. Even today, it is carefully organised by the Tar Barrels Committee, with safety marshals and road closures — but the essence remains unchanged: burning barrels hoisted onto shoulders and run through the packed streets.

Getting There

The event is centred in the town of Ottery St Mary in East Devon. Here are some practical tips to help with travel, parking, and making the most of the evening:

• By Road: Ottery St Mary is accessible via the A30, which runs east-west through Devon. From Exeter, take the B3181 / Ottery Road; from Lyme Regis or Honiton, approach via the B3174. The routes are well signposted once you get near the town.

• Public Transport: Local bus services run through Ottery St Mary; however, for the Tar Barrels night, these will be limited or have altered schedules. It’s wise to check current bus timetables ahead of the event.

• Parking: Roads are closed in the town centre for safety during the event. Follow local directions for car parking, where buses and coaches may be provided to complete the journey.  If local, walk in if possible. Roads and footpaths will be busy, so arrive early.

• Getting Around During the Event: The streets will be crowded and noisy, especially once the barrels start. Leave children and vulnerable persons in safe areas that still offer a good view but are away from the main barrel-carrying processions. Wear sturdy shoes (boots are ideal), breathable clothes, and possibly ear protection for children during barrel runs and fireworks.

• Safety First: The organisers publish a safety guide on the official event website. Make sure to read it beforehand. As the event involves fire, smoke and large crowds, spectators should follow marshal instructions, stay behind any safety barriers, and make sure to respect road closures.

• Best Times: The smaller barrels carried by children typically happen earlier in the evening. The large, flame-soaked barrels happen later, followed by the Midnight Barrel in the town square. If you want to see all aspects, plan to arrive well before dusk.