We at the Phyllis Baxter Action Group were delighted to hear that the Pixie Day, Tar Barrels and Carnival Committees are once again planning to hold these events in 2021, subject to any Covid-19 restrictions.
Tar Barrels and Pixie Day have made Ottery St Mary well known all over the country and even abroad. We are convinced that those who chose Ottery as a place of residence before and even during the lockdowns and who never before had the opportunity to enjoy these amazing events, are delighted with the news.
The exact origins of the Tar Barrels tradition that takes place every year on November 5 – except when the 5th falls on a Sunday – is unknown but many think that it started after the gunpowder plot of 1605. Others believe it had its origins when it was used for the fumigation of cottages and even more, a warning of the approach of the Spanish armada.
Although the West Country has a tradition of torchlight processions and burning barrels, carrying full-sized lighted tar barrels on your shoulders while running through the streets was more appealing for the people of Ottery.
This tradition is usually accompanied by the procession of tableaux which is also a West Country tradition. To resume we can say it’s been an Ottery tradition, far outliving health and safety regulations, ever since.
The day culminates with Ottery's Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes burning.
Pixie Day is a tradition based on the legend as told in Delderfield’s The Pixies’ Revenge that takes place every year in June on the Saturday closest to Mid-Summer Day. Unfortunately, because of the restrictions brought in with the pandemic, it has had to be moved to September 25 this year.
Pixies are made up of local children belonging to Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbows. Fully-dressed in Pixie costumes, they run to the church where they capture the bell ringers and then parade them back to the square and put them in the pixie cave.
The event commemorates a legend of Ottery St Mary's pixies being banished from the town (where they caused havoc) to a local cave known as Pixies Parlour. The event not only celebrates the tradition but also helps to raise funds for the local Scouts and Guides. At the end of the day there is a firework display at the Land of Canaan. If you have children then this is a must see and is highly recommended as one of the most popular events in town for the younger generation.
Ottery carnival usually takes place in October and it is a great opportunity for the community to appreciate the work, skills and originality of the different carnival committees, organisations and individuals in charge of designing the beautiful floats and customs paraded that evening.
The work done by the committee starts right after the last carnival parade is over and through a year of dedication and hard work they gather the much-needed funds to cover the costs.
The Phyllis Baxter Action Group would like to encourage all residents of this town to come together, support the efforts of those involved in the organisation of these events and as a happy community, celebrate and fully enjoy them. They are part of our town's history and are here to stay.
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