Otter Brewery Supports World Famous ‘Flaming Tar Barrels.’
Dave Strawbridge, Ottery Tar Barrels Sub Committee & Tar Barrel Roller, Patrick McCaig from Otter Brewery and Mike Down, Tar Barrel Roller and Landlord of The Volunteer Inn in Ottery St. Mary.
Devon’s leading brewery has come aboard to support one of the most iconic events in the East Devon calendar.
Every year on November 5th the world famous Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of thousands of townsfolk and visitors.
This year Otter Brewery have become a main sponsor for the first time and have also brewed an official beer especially for the event.
Traditionally, the barrels are set alight at various public houses and hotels around the town and follow a tight schedule until the final barrel is carried in the square around midnight. They range in size from small for the “boys”, medium for the women and youths, up to “gert big unz” for the men.
Each of Ottery’s central public houses sponsors a single barrel. In the months before hand the barrels have their internal surface coated with old-fashioned coal tar at a secret location. The barrels are then lit outside each of the pubs in turn and once the flames begin to pour out, they are hoisted up onto local people’s backs and shoulders.
The “Barrel Rollers” jealously guard their right to carry barrels. Their motivation is borne from a deep sense of tradition and in many cases this has involved generations of the same family.
Patrick McCaig from Otter Brewery commented: “This is an absolutely fantastic visual display that never disappoints! The Tar Barrel tradition around here is hundreds of years old. As part of our work to help support the local community this year we’ve come on board as a main sponsor. We’ve also brewed an official beer for the event – Flaming Ale – that will be available in four pubs, as well as supplying limited edition T-shirts. It’s a privilege to be involved.”
The pubs taking part are The Volunteer Inn, The London Hotel, The Lamb & Flag Inn and The King’s Arms.
For more information on the event please visit: www.otterytarbarrels.co.uk
