Folk Calendar

Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

Every year on 5 November · 16:00 to 00:00

© Lewis ClarkeCC BY-SA 2.5

Next

Thursday 5 November 2026, 16:00–00:00

Free

Sets off from

The Square

Barrels are carried through the streets between the town's pubs, and the last and biggest burns in the Square around midnight. The bonfire and funfair are at St Saviour's Meadow.

Ottery St Mary
Devon
EX11 1BY
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About

Burning barrels of tar are carried on the shoulders of local people through packed streets, passed from carrier to carrier until each burns out. Children’s barrels start in the late afternoon and the adults’ from 19:00. The organisers say it is not suitable for young children, and glass and pushchairs are not allowed.

Website
tarbarrels.co.uk

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Coming up

November 2026

  • 16:00–00:00

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