The first entry on Isles of Wonder, a series of articles exploring clothes, makers and rural rituals of the British Isles.
By Oscar Langley for Conkers, February, 2026
A mixture of fire and physical labour, the carrying of Tar Barrels is a ritual that is brilliant and a uniquely brilliant British event. Loved by pyromaniacs and west country locals. No one can quite put their finger on the true origins of how it started (the most Devon thing that you have ever heard). Once you have felt the heat and seen the flaming barrels carried down cobbled streets against the contrasting black evening skyline it's something that will stay with you for life.
They start with huge giant barrels that are lined with tar, then filled to the brim with straw. Paraffin is poured in, then it's set alight. Once lit they continue to roll it backwards and forwards until it’s nicely ablaze at which point locals pick them up, put them on their shoulders, and run through the streets as flames flicker out the back. The whole community comes out to watch as these brave locals carry these full size barrels on their back. The cheers get louder and louder as they run, the only protection they have is potato sacks, worn on their hands. The town of Otterly near Exeter still holds this tradition close to their hearts. There have been fanciful tales of the Spanish Armada being sighted and a local lad using a barrel to light a warning beacon. It's a wonderful event that is the highlight of the late autumn months, when the winter draws in and coldness takes over.
Around one hundred and fifty people take part in the tar barrels every year. The unique event brings together several generations of families who unite every season to take part. The children's run starts at 4pm in the afternoon and the participants get older as the night progresses. The men’s barrels carry on until midnight. The heat coming off the giant barrels and the ever glowing huge flame is incredible to see, it's also like being stood in a giant oven. As well as the unique visual sight, it's also incredibly moving to see dads and sons, mums and nans cheering each other on, you can see confidence growing in real time. A pint and a giant barrel on fire, is indeed a great British night.
