Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels

The tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels through the crowded streets of Ottery St Mary has been carried out for centuries . It is not known exactly how the tradition started but the inhabitants of the town are keen to keep it going . The expenses are enormous with insurance and health and safety issues but it was an amazing spectacle to witness. The barrels once selected have several layers of coal tar applied to the inside.When the time comes they are lit inside with paper before being carried flaming through the crowded streets. Small barrels are carried by youngsters in the afternoon and the size of the barrels increases until the men of the town are carrying large heavy barrels through the crowds. Thick layers of woollen clothing and mitts made of layers of hessian go some way to protect from burns. Signs warn the public to "Beware Burning Tar Barrels " . This is not the best shot in the world but it was hard to photograph with the crowd heaving to get out of the way of the flames. An amazing experience. Long may it continue