Each pub in the town sponsors a barrel, and barrels are lit throughout the day - gradually getting bigger and bigger until the 30 kilo midnight barrel! The town also lights a huge bonfire and fun is had by all.
Running of the Tar Barrels
OTTERY ST MARY, ENGLAND, 5-6 NOV 2008
Two Day Coach & Hotel Tour - £155.00
In London on 5th November 1605 there was a secret plot to overthrow the King, and part of the plot involved Guy Fawkes trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder. The plot failed, but ever since, every 5 November the people of the UK have celebrated the anniversary by making bonfires and setting off fireworks. However the people of Ottery St Mary in Devon do things a little differently, and carry large burning "Tar" barrels through their streets!
It is assumed that this is a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of of evil spirits, but nobody really knows how this tradition started, however at some point in the 17th century the locals started soaking barrels in tar, and then setting them alight. Once the barrels are flaming, they are hoisted onto "carriers" shoulders and run through the town, much to the delight of locals and tourists!
Overnight we will stay in a hotel in nearby party town Exeter, and following breakfast the next day we will tour some Devon beauty spots before making our way back to London.
whats included
All transport to and from Devon, accommodation in a hotel, breakfast on Thursday morning and entry to Exeter Cathedral. Services of Pillow tour rep.
whats NOT included
All food and drinks which are not listed above, any souvenirs you wish to buy.
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The Details
Itinerary
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Day 1: Wednesday 5 November
Meet at Embankment Tube station at 8.00am for 4 hour (200 mile) drive to Exeter. Once we are checked into the hotel and had lunch, we will make the short drive to Ottery St Mary to watch the lighting of the bonfire and the running of the Tar Barrels. After the midnight barrel we will drive back to Exeter and enjoy the rest of the night in the town.
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Day 2: Thursday 6 November
After breakfast in the hotel you will have free time to either spend in Exeter, or to have a guided tour of Exeter Cathedral. After lunch we will board the coach, and stop off at one or two of Dorset’s beauty spots before returning back to London. Estimated arrival time back in London is 7.30pm.
Video of Tar Barrels
Cost of the Tour
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Cost per person: £155.00
