Barrow is preparing to welcome thousands of motorcyclists heading to the town as part of a day of events to celebrate the life of Dave Myers.

The celebrity chef and TV star, who formed one half of the hugely popular Hairy Bikers, died on February 28 after a battle with cancer.

In his memory, the town is preparing a warm welcome for the thousands of visitors who will attend ‘Dave Day’ this summer.

Various events will be happening all over Barrow on June 8, including a concert at Craven Park, the home of Barrow Raiders rugby league team, and an afternoon of entertainment outside Barrow Town Hall.

There will also be an appearance from Dave Myers’ wife Liliana and Si King, the other half of the Hairy Bikers and Dave’s best friend.

Fans from all over England are expected to flock to Dave’s home town, including thousands of motorcyclist who are embarking on a ride from London to Barrow.

Westmorland and Furness Council is working as part of a multi-agency group including emergency services and highways bodies to ensure public safety and to minimise community impact as a result of the day’s events.

This includes arranging road closures around the town hall where it is expected large crowds will gather. The multi-agency group is warning it is inevitable that there will be increased traffic and some disruption on local roads, particularly during the afternoon and up to around 9pm.

The council is hosting a celebration event on the morning of June 8 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The staging in place will then be used by Barrow BID for their Dave Day activities from 4pm onwards.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said: “It is truly wonderful to see how so many people are coming together to celebrate the life of Dave Myers.

“From the many businesses to sports clubs and individual fundraisers, our communities have really embraced Dave Day. It demonstrates how well-loved he was and how he touched the lives of so many people.

“I know Dave was a passionate advocate for Barrow and we are looking forward to welcoming people to the town on 8 June to enjoy Dave Day.

“Although the council is not involved in co-ordinating or organising the different events, we are supporting the BID’s activities outside the town hall and working with our partners including the police and highways to try to make sure those visiting Barrow have a safe, enjoyable and trouble-free day.’’

On the wider road network, there is likely to be congestion around junction 36 of the M6 motorway, with the Dave Day motorcyclists expected mid-afternoon onwards and routes into the Lake District likely to be busy with events including Appleby Horse Fair, the Great North Swim at Windermere and a car festival at Westmorland County Showground the same weekend.

For more information about Dave Day and events being organised by Barrow BID www.visitbarrow.org.uk/dave-day/