Ottery Tar Barrels 2017 what you need to know
Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrel night - Ladies' barrels. Picture: Anthony Rowe LRPS. - Credit: ©-Anthony Rowe L.R.P.S
Road closures, where to buy programmes, the new taxi rank and bus drop off point. We have all the information here.
Ottery Tar Barrels. Ref sho 45-16NF 1681. Picture: Nigel Fowler - Credit: Archant
Ottery’s Tar Barrels roll back into town next weekend and excitement is building for the unique bonfire event.
Barrellers young and old, male and female, will once again race up and down the streets on Saturday, November 4, watched on by large crowds.
The first barrel will be lit at 4.15pm followed by subsequent rolls until the last barrel at midnight.
Roads will shut from 3.45pm to ensure safety to the thousands of visitors expected to arrive in town during the day.
Ottery Tar Barrels. Ref sho 45-16NF 4681. Picture: Nigel Fowler - Credit: Archant
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Motorists are asked to park in either the car park on Barrack/ Exeter Road or at Ottery Football Club in Butts Road, which will open from 3pm.
New this year is the introduction of a taxi rank and a turn around point for buses to assist with visitors’ arrival to the tradition.
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Stagecoach buses will be able to drive to Salston Cross through the road closure at Lower Broad Oak Road to turn around and go through West Hill.
Drop-off points will also be in place at Salston Cross and at the Butts Hill junction for taxis only.
Ottery Tar Barrels. Ref sho 45-16NF 4681. Picture: Nigel Fowler - Credit: Archant
Rob Wickham, chairman of the tar barrels committee, advised visitors to wear sensible clothes and shoes and to not wear backpacks to avoid catching on people and items while the barrels are moving.
Parking costs £10. The route starts at Butts Hill, which this year has a dedicated taxi drop-off and collection point, and goes down Ridgeway and Kennaway Road, which both have parking restrictions on them.
It will then continue down Chineway Road, Slade Road, Longdogs Lane and the Sidmouth Road, at the top of Tip Hill.
An event spokeswoman said: “Once you’re in, please watch the barrel movements at all times. They can and will change direction at any point. When the barrels approach please do not run away, take a step back and lean away.
Ottery Tar Barrels. Ref sho 45-16NF 1681. Picture: Nigel Fowler - Credit: Archant
“The barrel rollers are not aiming at you they are just trying to carry the barrel as far as they can.”
Programmes are available in shops and pubs around the town in the run up to the event.
They will also be available from information points by the fair and the Old Flexton.
For more information visit www.tarbarrels.co.uk for more information.
Ottery Tar Barrels. Ref sho 45-16NF 1572. Picture: Nigel Fowler - Credit: Archant
