SPECIAL parking arrangements have been put in place leading up to and during the Tavistock Food and Drink Festival, which takes place this weekend.

The festival, now in its fifth year, will be held under a giant marquee in the town's Bedford car park.

While the event, which attracts thousands of visitors, is held on Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27, work on building the marquee needs to be carried out today (Thursday) and tomorrow and the Bedford car park will be closed off during these four days.

Riverside car park will be used by the food festival exhibitors over the weekend.

To compensate for the loss of the Bedford parking spaces on the Thursday and Friday, parking is being offered at Tavistock College.

During the festival weekend, Tavistock Lions and Round Table are organising an off-site Park 'n Ride scheme. All visitors are strongly recommended to drive direct to Crowndale Road where they can park their vehicles and take the shuttle bus to the festival venue. Parking will be available in a field off Crowndale Road during the two days for a fee.

On the Saturday of the festival, the free bus shuttle will run to and from Tavistock Town Centre from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.