Ottery’s Tar Barrels will be once again brightening up the town as tens of thousands are set to arrive to experience the unique bonfire event.

Barrellers young and old, male and female, will once again race up and down the streets on Monday, November 5.

The first barrel will be lit at 4.15pm followed by subsequent rolls until the last barrel at midnight.

Road closures will come into force at 3.45pm and 5pm to ensure safety to visitors arriving in town during the day.

The roads affected at 3.45pm are Jesu Street, at the junction of Tip Hill, Lower Spring Gardens, Yonder Street at the junction of Furzebrook and Slade Road, New Lane, the lower side of Sunnyhill junction, Gold Street at the Sandhill Street junction.

At 5pm, the rest of the closures come in, Pattenoster Row, below the junction of Ridgeway, Taleford closure at Cadhay Lane and Bendarroch Road in West Hill.

The road below the main car park entrance at Barrack Road will also be shut at 5pm to allow traffic to enter the car park.

Toadpit Lane, residents will be able to access their property but will need a proof of identification. There will be no access to the lane from Barrack Road.

Visitors are asked to park in either the car park on Barrack/ Exeter Road or at Ottery Football Club in Butts Road and Otter Garden Centre which will open from 4pm.

“Please avoid parking in the town, use the car parks provided if you are coming to the event.” Said organiser Rob Wickham.

There will be a taxi rank and a turn around point for buses to assist with visitors’ arrival to the tradition.

Stagecoach and Hatch Green 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.

Rob Wickham, event organiser, 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.

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 or drop in to the Tar Barrels pop-up shot in Jesu Street, next to Abbots DIY. The shop is open from October 31 right through to the event.

See our story about Tar Barrels plastic free plans for Monday’s event