PICTURE SPECIAL: Ottery Tar Barrels fun!

THOUSANDS cheered on Ottery’s most famous night of flaming fun last Friday- as the Tar Barrels tradition rolled on spectacular style.

THOUSANDS cheered on Ottery’s most famous night of flaming fun last Friday- as the Tar Barrels tradition rolled on spectacular style.

Organisers celebrated a trouble free night as a fundraising drive proved a hit, collecting more than �5,000 for next year’s festivities.

Carnival Committee chairman Graham Rowland said: “From our point of view it was absolutely brilliant. The weather held off and we had good crowds- all of which were well-behaved.”

Fully recovered Ian Chown, 24, who suffered burns to his face last year when a criminal act sparked an explosion, watched every barrel and said nothing would stop him enjoying an event he loves. “I’ve never missed it!” said Ian, “there was a great atmosphere. I had a really good night and enjoyed it as much as ever.”

The tradition was a real family affair for event die-hard Ashley Connett, 25, of Washbrook View, who watched his brother Jamie, auntie Claire Arbury and two cousins Emmie and Hannah Arbury roll barrels. Ashley, who has also never missed the fun, said: “It was awesome, there was a really good vibe.”

David Fairweather, 24, watched the Barrels for the first time in four years after returning from university and said: “I’ve really missed it, you never forget how much fun it is.”

Around 20,000 people are expected to have attended the event.