Not such a Barrel of Laughs

This year over 15,000 people flocked to the small town of Ottery St. Mary to watch brave locals run through the streets with tar-soaked flaming barrels on their backs.

Most spectators experience no more than a spark of adrenaline, but it seems a few people got too close to the flames. 16 people were treated for minor burns by St John’s Ambulance volunteers and one spectator was taken to hospital with 10% burns.

Other incidents included a marshal being hit by a car and a spectator being hurt by a fairground ride. Luckily, both suffered only minor injuries.

The spectacle, held on bonfire night, is a proud, centuries-old tradition. In 2009, its future was in jeopardy after a huge blast was caused by a spectator throwing an aerosol into the flames. Several members of the crowd were injured.

Despite the dangers, the event is extremely well policed and the town works all year round to cover insurance premiums. Chairman Graham Rowland said: “People are careful and we can control the risk. It’s like football: if you wear shin pads you have less accidents.”