Dramatic scenes at historic Tar Barrel event as competitors engulfed in fire

Men and Women run up and down the streets passing flaming tar barrels to each other in Ottery St Mary, Devon, England. (William Dax via SWNS)

By Georgia Cook

A historic event saw competitors carry burning tar barrels through the streets.

Dramatic scenes at historic Tar Barrel event as competitors engulfed in fire

The event is free to attend and attracts between 14,000 and 20,000 visitors every year. (William Dax via SWNS)

Dramatic scenes at historic Tar Barrel event as competitors engulfed in fire

It's a British folk tradition where local residents run through the crowded streets carrying full-sized, blazing wooden barrels soaked in tar on their backs and shoulders. (William Dax via SWNS)

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