BRADFORD on Avon will be transformed into 17th century Britain this weekend for the English Civil War Society’s re-enactment.

The clock will be turned back to 1643 as nearly 500 society members do battle in what promises to be one of the biggest event's in the town's history.

Thousands are expected to attend the two-day event which runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Proceedings get underway at the living history village at the Tithe Barn and Barton Farm, and finish with a full scale battle from 3.15-4pm at Poulton Field.

The showcase event will be a skirmish on the town bridge, which will be closed for 15 minutes on both days, between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians from 11.40-11.55am, recreating the events of centuries ago.

The entertainment continues with an artillery display, 12.30-1pm, and an infantry display, 2-2.30pm, on the Victory Field.

About 500 parking spaces, costing £5 per vehicle, will be available in Culver Close playing field, which opens at 9.30am, but the town council is encouraging people to walk and not park along Pound Lane so large vehicles can access the area for deliveries.

Delay warning signs are in place on the town's main approach roads and during the weekend marshals will be on duty advising drivers of delays and suggesting alternative routes. Local firms, bus and taxi companies have been made aware of the road closures.

Marshals 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.

The two main bus routes around the town are the 98 and 265 linking Bradford on Avon, Winsley and Limpley Stoke to Bath, Trowbridge and Warminster.

Organisers are asking those who attend to not bring glass, barbecues, candles or alcohol and helpers will be at all of the sites. Programmes, costing £2, are available to buy from the Town Council offices and the Tourist Information Centre.

Society members will be camped on the Beehive Field until August 1.

For more information call the town council on 01225 864240. For parking information visit http://bit.ly/2adjfAg and for bus details visit http://bit.ly/1uL2AvH.