Annual Tar Barrels event set to take place in Ottery St Mary

Ottery St Mary's famous annual 'Tar Barrels' event is set to take place next weekend.

The centuries-old tradition will be held from 7pm on Saturday 5 November, and feature the signature tar-soaked flaming barrels carried through the town.

Organisers said that the main event is "not suitable for small children, animals or persons with limited mobility."

A spokesperson said: "Please adhere to all instruction given by our town marshals and event stewards these will be used to keep you and our rollers safe. If there is a particular barrel that you want to see please get there early and wait there to avoid disappointment.

"Remember this event has its dangers so please adhere to all instruction given by our town and barrel marshals. By choosing to come to this event you have accepted the risks involved and take responsibility for your own actions.

"We will be placing barriers in the main barrel locations again this year for crowd control and to prevent overcrowding around the barrel rolling.

"Please wear sensible clothes and footwear as there is a large crowd expected, the streets get very dirty from the ash on the ground and your clothes will soak up the smoke in the atmosphere."

How can I get there?

There will be no vehicle access to the town on the night, but two car parks will be open for visitors with a further car park available in wet weather.

The first car park will be located off Barrack Road (access available from A30) from 4pm on the day. The second will be located at Ottery St Mary Cricket Club on Strawberry Lane, but there will be limited spaces (access only from Barrack Road). The third car park for wet weather is at the Finnimore Industrial Estate, and is also the disabled parking location.

Parking charges for cars in all locations is £10 per car.

Stagecoach buses will also stop at Salston Cross, as well as taxis at Salston Cross and at the bottom of Butts Hill.

Click here to find out more about the event.