The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels take place on Thursday 5 November 2026, continuing an ancient tradition dating back to the 17th century. Barrel Rollers carry lit barrels filled with tar on their backs through the streets of the town to the cheering of the crowd, in what is believed to be a way of celebrating the defeat of the Gunpowder Plotters - though the tradition may have pagan roots.
The event is unique to Ottery St Mary and attracts up to 15,000 visitors from all over the world. Only those born in Ottery or who own a business in the town can become Barrel Rollers, and often three generations of “Ottregians” run with the barrels on the same night.
Visitor information
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026. The event is held on 5 November unless it falls on a Sunday, in which case it takes place on the Saturday before.
Children’s barrels: Start at 4pm. Suitable for families.
Evening barrels: Start at 7pm and run into the night. Not suitable for small children, people with limited mobility or animals.
Venue: The barrels are carried throughout Ottery St Mary town, with the rollers and crowd moving between pubs and sites of old pubs. The evening finishes in the town square with the largest barrel known as the Midnight Barrel (around 10pm-midnight).
Bonfire: A huge bonfire is lit at 6:30pm on St Saviours Meadow (Millennium Green), next to a fairground divided by the River Otter.
Getting there: Roads close from about 4pm. Buses and coaches are laid on to bring people into town and take them back afterwards. Follow signs and steward directions.
Safety: The streets become very crowded. You will be in close proximity to fire and burning tar barrels. If you are scared of fire or do not like crowded areas, this event is not for you.
What to expect
There are 15-20 women’s, men’s and intermediate barrels with over 100 barrel rollers. Things start heating up at 7pm when the first men’s barrel run starts. The lit barrels get progressively heavier as the night goes on and the atmosphere more electric. As the barrels burn down and their weight reduces, the rollers get faster and faster.
The 10pm and midnight barrels are the climax of the event. The midnight barrel is the biggest and weighs around 80kg. Previously, strong farmers could lift this individually; today it’s a team effort to get it onto someone’s back.
The best locations for seeing the barrels are the town square, Mill Street, Yonder Street, Sandhill Street and Paternoster Row. The barrels move through the streets following a traditional route between different parts of town.
Never bring fireworks with you. The police will very quickly remove you from the event if you are seen letting off fireworks.
Where to stay
Ottery St Mary and surrounding villages have limited accommodation. Browse places to stay in East Devon and nearby towns such as Sidmouth, Honiton and Exeter, and book well in advance.
