Cheddar Gorge locals are facing a 21-mile detour this week as filming crews descend on the iconic Somerset beauty spot to shoot scenes for Danny Boyle‘s new horror movie 28 Years Later.
Somerset Council has announced that the B3135, the main road which runs through the attraction, will remain closed until this weekend, and maybe longer, to accommodate the film crew.
The road closures mean a 21-mile diversion for motorists, likely resulting in extra fuel bills and longer journey times.
Jodie Comer on the set of 28 Years Later in Northumberland earlier this month
Members of the cast playing zombies could be seen running naked in between shots
Cheddar Gorge attracts nearly 500,000 visitors each year with many coming to see the caves
A planning notice also reveals that production teams will be utilising laybys and parking bays along The Cliffs route.
It is understood Boyle’s production company has paid Somerset Council for the filming and closure of the Gorge.
The current cast of 28 Years Later, a sequel to cult classic 28 Days Later, includes Cillian Murphy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell and Erin Kellyman.
Danny Boyle was also the director of Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.
Despite the disruption, all attractions and shops within the village, including the Cheddar Gorge and Caves, will continue to welcome visitors during the filming period.
Most car parks and the loop Gorge walk will also remain open, according to BBC News.
Some traders in the Cheddar Gorge area are thrilled with the filming. But others fear a hit to their takings in the first week of the summer holidays.
The map above outlines the detour that is facing residents in the Cheddar Gorge area
Cillian Murphy who starred in the 2002 film 28 Days Later will be reprising his role
The landlord of The King’s Head, a local pub in area, said ‘I have no problems with it!’
When asked if the filming could lure in new tourists to the village, he added ‘Well it depends if they say in the film it’s Cheddar!
‘If there’s a ‘Welcome to Cheddar’ sign they go past, tourists will come! If not, they probably won’t.’
28 Years Later is set for a June 2025 release in the UK.
