The mummers play at Symondsbury is thought to have been written as early as 1880. It is a drama enacted at Christmas and is thought to be a celebration of the death of the year and its resurrection in the Spring. It is wonderful to watch and pick up on the improvisation added to the script by the cast


Burning Tar barrels in Ottery St Mary is said to have originated in the 17th century. The spectacle is held annually on 5th November and is accompanied by a huge bonfire. The barrels, previously soaked in tar, are set on fire and then hoisted on the local peoples backs and then paraded through the street in front of the sponsoring hostelry. It is thought to be a pagan ritual to cleanse the streets of evil
Wonderful spectacle but huge crowds and difficult to get good images