TAUNTON is gearing itself up for a bumper Bank Holiday weekend of thrills, spills and street markets rounded off by a fun-packed day that nearly didn’t happen.

Thousands of locals and visitors are expected to hit the town centre for three days of outdoor markets from Friday, while High Street and Fore Street will be a buzz of activity with a family fun day on Monday.

The regular weekly markets on Friday and Saturday will be supplemented by a Super Market Sunday – held the last Sunday of each month - with traders from across the South-West out in force.

The Bank Holiday programme includes plenty of rides and adrenalin inducing activities ranging from chairplanes to a shooting game, slides to an inflatable assault course and climbing wall.

Sports lovers can have a go at trampolining, try out their swing at the practice net run by Oake Manor Golf Club, who are sponsoring the publicity for the day, test their stamina on a rowing machine and get a kick out of the football section.

Music fans will be entertained by top local talent on two stages giving their services for free – jazz in High Street and buskers in Fore Street.

In the orchard centre, you’ll be able to write down a wish for Taunton and stick it on a tree, which will then be put up at The Brewhouse theatre.

TIME for UK Ltd (Taunton Independent Markets and Events) stepped in to ensure the fun day goes ahead after previous organisers Taunton Town Centre Company folded.

TIME’s Lucinda Ackland said: “We’re asking people to support the event and have a great time – we very nearly lost it this year.

“There’s plenty to see and do, including 150 stalls over the four days.

“We’ve put it together very quickly with a lot of help and support from a lot of people.

“Without Taunton Deane Council’s unwavering help it wouldn’t be taking place – they cut through a lot of red tape to speed things up.”

Look out for the Somerset County Gazette photographer snapping photos of families having fun on Monday.