Sunday, 06 November 2022 12:09

100 Photos from the Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

100 Photos from the Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

One of Devon's most famous, and infamous, traditions takes place in Ottery St Mary each year. See over 100 photos from the event here.

The Tar Barrels is an ancient custom said to have originated in the 17th century that continues to this day. Men, women and children(!) carry flaming barrels around the village of Ottery St Mary with thousands of onlookers. Things get spicy when the barrels are passed to another carrier similar to a baton style relay. Dropped barrels aren't on the ground for long as the crowd cheer on the participants. The intense display continues until the barrels eventually collapses.

The hugely popular event includes a fun fair, a fantastic selection of street food and drink plus an enormous bonfire. 

  •  Event photos by Thomas Faull

Buy your Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary photo here.

 

Published in Visit Devon News
Find more
More in this category: « Work on New Central Park Ponds to Begin in Plymouth Historic Plymouth Athenaeum gets Historic England Facelift Funding »
back to top