The world-renowned Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels event returns on November 5, continuing a centuries-old tradition that draws thousands of visitors from around the globe. Celebrated in the Devon town, this unique spectacle features daring participants carrying lit barrels filled with tar, running through the streets while crowds roar in excitement.
Believed to commemorate the capture of the Gunpowder Plotters, this fiery event is steeped in history and local pride. To ensure safety during this famously energetic occasion, extensive road closures will be enforced within the town.
Approximately 15,000 spectators gather to witness barrels moving through the streets, with crowds flowing between historic pubs and landmarks. The festivities culminate in the town square with the lighting of the prestigious Midnight Barrel.
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Road closures are implemented in two phases: the first starting at 3:30 pm, and the second at 5:00 pm. These closures will be strictly controlled, limiting access to residents only under certain conditions. Residents traveling between Salston Cross and Thorne Farm Way should exercise caution due to large pedestrian volumes.
Residents of King’s Reach, Thorne Farm Way, and Salston Barton returning home after 5:00 pm must present proof of address to pass through restricted areas. Those unable to access their homes are advised to use designated car parks, paying a £10 fee, with receipts available for reimbursement.
Public transport schedules will be disrupted. Attendees should check services in advance, as no additional late-night buses will operate. Taxi and bus drop-offs and pick-ups will take place at Salston Cross, which will be well-lit alongside Strawberry Lane for safety.
The 3:30 pm closures affect New Lane (below Sunnyhill junction), Spring Gardens, Brookdale, Beauvale Close, Chapel Lane, Yonder Close, Plume of Feathers Close, Hollis Close, and Batts Lane. This area remains accessible for the town’s junior tar barrel event starting at 4:00 pm.
Major road closures from 5:00 pm include Exeter Road, Barrack Road, Cadhay Lane, Fairmile Lane, Strawberry Lane, West Hill Road, Mill Street, Canaan Way, Hind Street, Broad Street, Silver Street, The Flexton, Cornhill, Paternoster Row, Gold Street, Tip Hill, Millcroft, Higher Spring Gardens, Gosford Road, Bendarroch Road, Toadpit Lane, Claremont Field, Thorne Farm Way, Hansford Way, Elliot Close, Godfrey Close, Ferguson Close, and Taylor Close.
For those seeking to navigate around the closures, a free route is available via Longdogs Lane, Slade Road, Chineway Road, Kennaway Road into Ridgeway, then onto North Street and Butts Hill, or in reverse.
Any last-minute updates or changes will be posted on the official Ottery St Mary Carnival & Tar Barrels webpage.
Residents within the closure zone requiring emergency exit assistance can call 01404 813838 between 2:00 pm and 1:00 am, when the line will be staffed to provide support.