The Tar Barrel tradition is hundreds of years old. The exact origins are unknown but probably started after the gunpowder plot of 1605.

The West Country has a history of torchlight processions and burning barrels and Ottery was one of the many towns and villages following an annual tradition containing barrels which were rolled in the streets on November 5th each year. Somewhere along the line someone decided rolling was tame and carrying barrels on your shoulders was far more appealing and so the present tradition was born and now Ottery is the only town in the country carrying full sized lit tar barrels through the streets.

November the 5th each year is the traditional day for the Tar Barrels and only changes when the 5th falls on a Sunday. The procession and fireworks are normally on the Saturday before the 5th of November.

Ottery’s giant bonfire is an integral part of the annual Carnival. Three weeks before the carnival, all manner of material is collected from the community to build the bonfire. One week before the carnival the bonfire is finalised and usually stands about 35ft high with a girth of around 50ft.

Now there is a Guy competition for the children in the community and a winner is selected for placing on the bonfire. On Carnival day the ceremonial Guy is placed on top of the bonfire and in the evening the Carnival Vice President sets a flaming torch to the base and a spectacle of flame is enjoyed by all.