| The World Famous
Ottery St Mary Tar Barrel Rolling
Every year on November 5th for reasons lost in antiquity,
the Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of
Ottery St mary to the delight of thousands of townsfolk and
visitors. Starting with the junior barrels in late afternoon
the size of the adult barrels grow until the final enormous
one is carried as Midnight calls. A gigantic bonfire over
30 feet (10 metres) high and crowned with Guy Fawkes himself,
forms an impressive background to the occasion together with
a fairground and many other attractions. The event has been
televised all over the world and has made Ottery St Mary a
place in which to celebrate a unique occasion.
Ottery St Mary Carnival
Carnival Night with its parade of spectacular floats and
marchers from many towns and villages in the area is held
on the Saturday before Tar Barrels Night where it has grown
into one of the major events in Devon. The evening begins
with the parade and is followed by a magnificent display of
fireworks on the Land of Canaan. An event not to be missed
and everyone is made welcome.
Pixie Day
On the Saturday nearest to Midsummer's Day the Pixies take
their revenge. Children, re-enacting an ancient legend, run
to the Church of St Mary where they take captive the local
bellringers and spirit them off to their cave in the Town
Square. Following colourful celebrations the bellringers are
released and the Pixies make their way home. A fete on the
Land of Canaan, held from 2.30pm until 11.00pm is complete
with side-shows, refreshments and live entertainment ending
with spectacular fireworks.
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