TADCASTER is set to celebrate the reopening of its bridge later this month with a massive lantern parade, blessing ceremony, fireworks display and battle re-enactment.

North Yorkshire County Council says it is working flat out to complete its reconstruction of the bridge over the River Wharfe by its target date of January 27- almost 13 months after it partially collapsed in the wake of severe flooding.

Now Tadcaster and Rural Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, is making plans to mark the re-opening with a series of events on the afternoon of Sunday January 29, aimed at showcasing what businesses have to offer and ‘what makes Tadcaster so special.’

Executive officer David Gluck said there were plans for a ‘parade of thanks’ across the bridge at 4.30pm, involving 300-400 people carrying lanterns, and a fireworks display on the riverside at 6.30pm.

There would also be a re-enactment of the 1642 Battle of Tadcaster, a pop-up brewery museum organised by Heineken, a best dressed window competition and a medieval marketplace.

He added that the event was financed by a £9,800 lottery grant and donations from larger businesses in the town.