PLANS for Northallerton's annual May Fair are almost complete.

For five days the High Street will be filled with rides and sideshows, bringing thousands of people into the district.

Chairman of Hambleton District Council Councillor David Smith, who will open the event on Thursday, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming members of the Showmen's Guild back to Northallerton for the fair.

"The May Fair has become a major event for the district, bringing people from across the region into the town to enjoy a traditional event."

Parking, and bus and taxi collection points, are changed for the duration of the fair, which runs until Monday, May 3.

Part of the northern end of the High Street will be closed at certain times, with alternative routes posted for drivers.

A park-and-ride scheme will run from the Civic Centre and County Hall to cater for Saturday shoppers and fairgoers.

Alternative arrangements are as follows: From April 25 to May 3 long-stay parking in the Applegarth car park will be reduced to two rows on the western edge of the site, with disabled parking relocated to south High Street.

Other long stay car parking will be available in the Forum car park and the Crosby Road/Lascelles Lane car park.

Bus stops from the town hall end of the High Street will be moved to Zetland Street for northbound services and outside the library for southbound services.

The taxi ranks will be moved to Zetland Street.

Diversion routes around the High Street will be in operation on Wednesday, April 28, from 4.30pm to 10pm; Thursday, April 29, from 5.45pm to midnight; Friday, April 30, from 6pm to midnight; Saturday, May 1, from 10am to midnight; Sunday, May 2, from 1pm to 5pm and Monday, May 3, from 1pm to midnight.