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Tar Barrels at Ottery St Mary – FREE

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The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels is an ancient tradition where locals hoist and run through packed Devon streets carrying heavy, flaming tar barrels on their shoulders.

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 [1]

Location: Ottery St Mary town centre, East Devon [1]

Admission: Free, no ticket required [1]

Junior Barrels: Starts at approximately 4:00 PM (11 children’s barrels) [1, 2]

Bonfire: Lit at St Saviour’s Meadow at around 6:30 PM [1]

Adult Barrels: Begins at 7:00 PM (women’s, men’s, and intermediate barrels) [1]

Midnight Barrel: The final massive barrel (“Gurt Big Un”) is carried in the town square around midnight. [1, 2]
Key Facts
- Origin: Dates back to the 17th century, likely starting after the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. [1, 2]
- Participation: Only people born in Ottery or who own a local business are allowed to carry the barrels. [1]
- Safety: Roads close early in the afternoon, and crowds can reach up to 20,000 people. Spectators must stay alert and lean away from the flames. Review the Official Safety Guide before attending. [1, 2, 3, 4]