Midnight Tar Barrel Run
Visitors can safely observe from the town square and designated viewing areas; the spectacle is dramatic and loud.
~21:00
Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels
Ottery St Mary, United Kingdom
Nov 5, 2025ExpectedSource
Each November 5, the town of Ottery St. Mary blazes with its famous Tar Barrels. Volunteers hoist burning barrels of tar onto their shoulders and race through the packed streets, in a fiery celebration said to ward off evil, one of the boldest Bonfire Night traditions in England.
Key moments
Day 1 · Nov 5
Where it happens
Town Square, Ottery St Mary
Ottery St Mary, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing (November night)
Read the local rhythm
Ear protection for loud fireworks
Keep the visit respectful
Dark clothes recommended for participants to hide soot
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels
Ottery St Mary, United Kingdom
Each November 5, the town of Ottery St. Mary blazes with its famous Tar Barrels. Volunteers hoist burning barrels of tar onto their shoulders and race through the packed streets, in a fiery celebration said to ward off evil, one of the boldest Bonfire Night traditions in England.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Nov 5, 2025Expected dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Legend says lighting tar barrels wards off evil spirits and soot from the old ironworks. The ritual likely dates back to medieval times. Today it centers around four pub barrels raced by locals through the crowd, combined with town fireworks. It remains a tightly knit communal event symbolizing resistance and purification.
Key moments to know
Day 1Nov 5~21:00Expected
Midnight Tar Barrel Run
Visitors can safely observe from the town square and designated viewing areas; the spectacle is dramatic and loud.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing (November night)
Read the local rhythm
Ear protection for loud fireworks
Keep the visit respectful
Dark clothes recommended for participants to hide soot
Photo with care
Follow steward instructions; keep dog on leash, do not step into procession path
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Nov 5, 2025
Provisional
City / Area
Ottery St Mary
Ottery St Mary (Devon)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to