Dan Wareing and
Andrea Ormsby,Devon
BBCWearing “a warm woolly jumper” is key to success at one of Devon’s most historic traditions, according to the oldest man taking part this year.
Les White, 69, will be taking part in the Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels on Wednesday evening, with up to 20,000 spectators expected.
A total of 27 flaming barrels will be carried, or rolled, through the town, and at the other end of the age spectrum, Jessica, 7, is the youngest participant.
Speaking to Mr White she said she was “excited and a little bit nervous” ahead of her first time taking part.
The true origin of the event is unknown but it goes back centuries, and multiple generations of Jessica’s family have been involved.
Only people from Ottery St Mary are allowed to take part, and Jessica will become the ninth from her family.
“My grandad has been training me in his garden and I’ve been doing a little bit with dad as well,” Jessica told Mr White, as she sat on one of the oak barrels.
“I’m think I’m going to wear my England barrels t-shirt, but my mum will sort out the rest, so I don’t know what I’m going to wear.”
Mr White replied: “A nice woolly jumper will be good for you.
“I’m going to wear my old jeans, boots, and I have a couple of old rugby shirts, with a jumper, and a waistcoat with a towel around my head.”
Although Mr White and Jessica are both involved with this year’s event they will not be taking part at the same time.
The children’s barrels will begin at about 16:00 GMT and continue through the afternoon, before the lighting of a bonfire in St Saviours meadow at 18:30.
At 19:00 GMT the women’s, men’s and intermediate barrels get under way, reaching a climax several hours later with the ‘Gurt Big Un’ – The Midnight Barrel.
When asked if Jessica ever thought she would lift the big barrel one day, she told Mr White: “If daddy’s going to do it, I’m doing it.”
