Ottery St Mary, the Devon town famous for its flaming tar-barrel tradition, is in the county of Devon.
During the town’s annual 5 November celebrations, participants carry flaming tar barrels on their shoulders through the streets. The custom is one of the most distinctive Bonfire Night traditions in Britain and attracts visitors from outside the area.
Ottery St Mary lies in East Devon, near the River Otter and not far from the English Channel. Its name is linked to the nearby river and to the town’s historic parish church, St Mary’s.
The event is sometimes confused with general Bonfire Night customs elsewhere in England. Fireworks and bonfires are widespread, but the carrying of flaming barrels is particularly associated with Ottery St Mary.