40 Commando parade to mark 35 years at Norton Manor Camp

Taunton Deane Borough Council is organising a 'home-coming parade' on Saturday with the Royal Marines - and the message to people planning to line the streets is, 'Be prepared and be early'.

Car parking will be at a premium, so drivers should find a space in a public car park early. Taunton residents should walk or cycle if possible.

All car parks will be open as normal, but vehicles will be held in The Crescent car park between 11.30am and noon while the parade passes.

With hot and sunny weather forecast, spectators are urged to take plenty of water, apply sunscreen and make sure the young and vulnerable can cope with the crowds and heat.

Several town centre roads will be closed from 9am and most will not reopen until around 1pm, so careful journey planning is advised.

The Commandos will step off at 11am, making their way from Priory Bridge Road to Fore Street via the Town Bridge and North Street.

The parade will halt by Castle Bow, where Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Catherine Herbert will inspect the troops with Somerset’s Vice Lord Lieutenant, Brig David Godsal. Along with Lieut Col Paul Maynard, they will make addresses.

The parade will then process along Corporation Street, The Crescent and Upper High Street to Vivary Park, where a service of commemoration and remembrance will be held at the war memorial and dignitaries will lay wreaths.

Another ceremony including wreath laying will follow at the Marines Memorial Stone.

Viewing space will be available along the route, although there will be restrictions around the dais in Fore Street during the inspection and speeches.

Buses will continue to operate to the bus station, diverted via Tangier Way and Tower Street, while Corporation Street taxi rank will not operate in the morning. Taxis will be available at the rank near the bus station.

ROADS CLOSED 9am-1pm.

Corporation Street; Fore Street; East Street; Hammet Street (between Fore Street and Church Square); North Street; St James Street (between North Street and Middle Street); and The Bridge.

ROADS CLOSED ON A ROLLING BASIS 10.45am-NOON.

Priory Bridge Road (between St Augustine Street and Station Road); Station Road (between Station Approach and Staplegrove Road/Bridge Street); Albemarle Road and Belvedere Road (at junctions with Station Road); Staplegrove Road (between Chip Lane and Station Road/ Bridge Street); Bridge Street; Castle Street at Tangier Car Park; Tower Street; The Crescent; The Crescent Car Park access road (at junction with The Crescent); Upper High Street (between The Crescent and Mary Street); Mary Street (between Paul Street and Upper High Street); and Mount Street (at its junction with Mary Street).