Custom
The Tar Barrels
Hold on, and don't stop running.
Stand where it happened
- What's there
- Small town streets packed with crowds
- Legend from
- Bonfire Night custom
- Tone
- Dramatic
Flaming barrels of tar, carried through the crowd.
Every Bonfire Night men and women of Ottery carry blazing tar barrels through the packed streets. Wikipedia says the tradition dates from the 17th century and the barrels are lit outside the town's pubs; only locals may carry them. The BBC reported 27 barrels in 2025, with the organisers saying it is believed to go back to 1605. The next is listed for 5 November 2026.