Each year, on or around 5 November, the usually quaint East Devon town of Ottery St Mary whips into a fiery frenzy. Wooden barrels coated with tar are set alight and carried through the streets on the backs of brave locals in a centuries-old ritual.

Men, women and even children have their own flaming barrels to carry; often, the tradition passes down through several generations of the same family, creating an enormous sense of pride. It might be chaotic and potentially incredibly dangerous, but at its core this event is a celebration of community and cultural heritage.

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