ROAD closures currently causing tailbacks on the Holt side of Bradford on Avon will not stop the Civil War re-enactment on July 30-31 – possibly the town's biggest ever public event – being a success, say organisers.

Close to 4,000 people are expected to attend the re-enactment, run by the English Civil War Society, which will bring to life the the history of the first English civil war and show what life was like in England in 1643.

About 500 society members will camp on the Beehive field from July 27 to August 1 and there will be a full-scale battle on Poulton Recreation Field, military displays on Victory Field and a living history village at the Tithe Barn.

On both days, the town bridge will be closed for 15 minutes for a skirmish between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians.

"I am excited but also conscious that everything is in order and goes to plan," said Cllr Laurie Brown, chairman of the re-enactment's working group.

"It has been an 18-month monumental effort and the logistics of it all have been enormous.

"At present we are reasonably happy with everything. Now we are getting the programme out there and that should start people talking about this exciting event."

There will be parking for around 500 cars in the town's public car parks and in Culver Close playing field.

The organisers are also encouraging people to walk to events or use the train. They are confident the town can cope, pointing out that the annual fireworks display at the Beehive field, which does not provide parking, attracts about 4,000 people.

Bradford Town Council has been working on a traffic plan for the event since March, dealing with signs, road closures and crossings and notifying local firms and bus and taxi companies.

Two weeks before the event delay warning signs will be put up on the town's main approach roads, and during the weekend marshals will be on duty advising drivers of delays and suggesting alternative routes.

Marshalls will be stationed by Cumberwell Park, at the Leigh Park Hotel in Leigh Road, by the Boathouse pub at Widbrook, by the roundabout on Winsley Road and near Sainsbury's.

For more information call the town council on 01225 864240.