The Tar Barrel tradition is hundreds of years old. The exact origins are unknown but probably started after the gunpowder plot of 1605. Various alternative reasons suggested for burning barrels have included fumigation of cottages and as a warning of the approach of the Spanish armada.
The West Country has a history of torchlight processions and burning barrels and Ottery was only 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 lighted tar barrels through the streets.
The procession of tableaux is also an old West Country tradition and is still a popular part of the winter months when most weekends will see a procession of brightly lit tableaux in a great many Towns and villages.
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 Tar Barrels (5 Nov 2025) |
---|
Come and enjoy an evening of three one-act plays:
"Flaming Barrels" by Chelle Walsh is…
Our line-up is already beginning to take shape! More acts being announced soon...
We…
Founded in Barnsley Rock City in 2006,The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are on a…
Come and join us for a Concert production of HMS Pinafore lead by Emma Palmer
The All Seasons
Scintillating vocals & incredible harmonies. Bringing to life the music…
John Hackett Band
Running time: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes (Including Interval)
Ticket…
A Country Music Songbook
Running time: Approximately 2 hours & 10 minutes
* Tickets…
Honiton Comedy Club Presents: Ivo Graham
Running Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes (Including…
An Evening With Psychic Sally
Running Time: 2 Hours (Including Interval)
Ticket Prices:…
SYKESMARTIN
RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES
Ticket Prices: £18
All ticket prices include…
Step into a realm where classical elegance converges with the pulsating energy of classic…
Scotland Yard Investigates
Running Time: 75 minutes (No interval)
Suitable for 12+…
THE ZOOTS are here to make your whole family bop to the '60s beats that everybody loves -…
On a Role Theatre Company Presents the Secret Life of Enid Blyton
Starring Liz Grand as…
Adam Sweet delivers brooding blues and rootsy rock, balancing richly detailed song…