The famous Ottery Tar Barrels returns next month, whether you’ve already planned a trip or you’re still weighing up your options, here’s everything you need to know for this year’s event.

For those of you not in the know, Ottery St Mary is famous for its traditional Tar Barrel event, which sees barrels being set alight and moved through the town in a procession that ends in a spectacular bonfire. It takes place every year on Bonfire Night (or as close to it as possible!) and has been a part of Ottery’s calendar for hundreds of years. Why? No one is really sure, but it likely originated following the gunpowder plot. In history, the West Country was known for torchlit processions and Ottery is one of the only remaining places that still does this – originally the barrels were set on fire and then rolled through the streets, before the current tradition of carrying them on your shoulders began.

So now you know more about the tradition – here’s what you need to know for this year’s event.

This year, the Tar Barrels will be taking place on 5th November, starting from 7pm onwards. As always, the streets do get very crowded and can become unsuitable for small children and animals, so please be aware of this before setting out. People travel from miles around to experience the Tar Barrels, so if you’re planning to visit, make sure to leave plenty of time and to check all the travel information.

There will be no vehicle access to the town during the event and a limited number of car parks. No other car parks will be available, only the main car park at Barrack Road and the one at Otter Garden Centre. In bad weather, a third may be available at Finnimore Industrial Estate – please take note of the signs. No other parking will be available and a road closure into Ottery St Mary will be in force from the afternoon of the 4th November. Diversions will be in place, but please follow all instructions given either by diversion signs or traffic marshals. These diversions may mean a disruption in public transport, so please check with the service provider when boarding for the nearest stop.

Please dress suitably for the weather – the event will take place outside with limited shelter and the evenings in November can be cold. Visitors will also need to be on their feet, so sensible shoes are a must. Also, there is a chance you will pick up ash from the passing barrels – so this is not the place for your best coat!

During the event, please do not attempt to touch any of the barrels, should you have any questions, there will be marshals in high vis vests who are on hand throughout to help.

As usual, there is a real fun, carnival atmosphere throughout the Tar Barrels, with food stalls and bars dotted around the town. Though they will be accepting card, signal can be intermittent, so be sure to carry some cash with you – just in case!

So – dress for the weather, leave yourself plenty of time and enjoy!

Details for the car parks and other up to date information can be found here. Will you be attending this year’s Tar Barrels? Make sure to tag us in your photos, we’d love to see them! You can find us on Instagram or on Facebook here