Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

Every November 5th, the quiet town of Ottery St Mary in Devon is set ablaze with excitement and flame for the world-famous Tar Barrels festival. For one night only, locals hoist blazing tar barrels onto their shoulders and race through crowded streets and squares, as thousands of spectators gather and the whole town pulses with heat and cheers. For those seeking thrill, history, and a truly one-of-a-kind experience, this festival promises an unforgettable night.

From the first spark to the final embers at midnight, the festival is a feast for the senses. The smell of burning tar, the heat of flames on your face, the crackle of barrels and the roar of the crowd, sparks flying into the night sky-this is living English folklore you can feel on your skin.

Blazing Tar Barrels: A Heart-Pounding Tradition

Bonfire and Festival Buzz

Costume and Decorations

The origins of Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels festival are unclear, but it’s believed to date back at least to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest fire festivals in southwest England. The most common theory is that it began as a way to ward off evil spirits, purify the air, or fumigate homes-locals would light tar-filled barrels and carry them through the town, using fire to drive away bad luck. Some also link it to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 or as a warning of the Spanish Armada, and torchlight processions and burning barrels on November 5th have long been a West Country tradition. Originally, barrels were rolled, but over time, carrying them on the shoulders became the norm-now Ottery is the only town in the UK where full-sized flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets.

On festival day, barrels prepared and soaked in tar for weeks by each central pub are lit one by one on the evening of November 5th. The event starts with small barrels for children and women, building up to the largest 30 kg barrels for men late at night. Most barrel rollers come from local families, with the honour passed down through generations. More than 10,000 spectators-far exceeding the town’s population-pack the streets, as the whole community is engulfed in fire and cheers.

This festival is much more than a quirky tradition or tourist draw: for the people of Ottery, it’s a symbol of history, pride, and resilience. While modern safety measures are in place, the courage of the barrel rollers, the unity of the town, and the legacy passed from past to present make this a “living cultural heritage.” The sight of flaming barrels racing through the night is etched into the hearts of locals and visitors alike, and is at the core of Ottery St Mary’s identity.

Standing in the front row, I could feel the heat as the barrel roller ran past. It was a mix of fear and exhilaration-like witnessing living history. The energy of the crowd was incredible.

• At least 17 barrels are set alight and carried every year, with the largest weighing up to 30 kg.
• Barrel rollers must be born in Ottery, and many families have participated for generations.
• For safety, rollers wear only natural fibres like wool, cotton, and hessian-synthetics are banned.
• The event takes place every November 5th (or the 4th if the 5th is a Sunday), coinciding with Bonfire Night.

The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels festival is held annually on November 5th (or November 4th if the 5th falls on a Sunday) in Ottery St Mary, Devon. Admission is free, but expect heavy crowds. It’s a night to experience fire, tradition, and the heat of community spirit.