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.