‘Blistering’ success as 15,000 descend to watch Ottery Tar Barrels 2018

Barrelers of all ages fearlessly raced down the streets carrying the flaming barrels on their backs cheered on by thousands, eagerly awaiting the evening’s epic conclusion of the midnight barrel.

Crowds could also warm themselves by the giant bonfire lit during the evening or take a spin on one of the many fairground rides.

Close to 15,000 people are estimated to have attended Monday night’s spectacle, more than expected for a midweek event.

In a historic moment for the event, the committee introduced a reusable souvenir cup, which has been hailed a ‘blistering success’.

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

The cups were unveiled as part of aims to protect spectators and barrelers from tripping on discarded plastic, as well as help the environment and save taxpayers money for the clean up operation.

Rob Wickham, event organiser, said: “It went well, the scaffolding did have a massive impact on us and we saw a lot more people than we usually do on a Monday evening.

“The cups were a blistering success. On first inspection, it’s made a blistering impact on the clean up and people have really taken to it.

“I want to say a massive thank-you to the community as a whole, all the organisers the town, everybody who made it happen this year.”

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

From 2019 stallholders will be asked to sell food and drink in 100 per cent biodegradable containers.

Pictures courtesy of Alex Walton Photography.

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)

Ottery Tar Barrels 2018. Picture: Alex Walton Photography (Image: Picture: Alex Walton Photography)