Extra buses, car parking and road restrictions will be in place at the 2018 Red Arrows display, helping to accommodate the tens of thousands of people that plan to descend on the town.

A record 35,000 people arrived in the town to watch the talented aerobatic team soar through the sky last summer and similar numbers are expected again.

Event organiser Sidmouth Town Council announced the plans for the restrictions this week, to give spectators chance to plan their journey before the display on Friday, August 24.

Among the new restrictions this year is the closure of The Esplanade, for the first time. The seafront will be closed from Port Royal to the junction with Manor Road between 3pm and 8pm.

Christopher Holland, town clerk, said: “Sidmouth is unique in the air display calendar, with no piers or buildings in the bay it means we are able to have a display as close as possible to the crowd whilst still safely over the sea.”

Extra car parking has also being provided at the rugby club, cricket club, National Trust field by Cotmaton Road and Glen Road. There is also a park ‘n’ stride down The Byes from car parking facilities at Sidmouth College. ‘No parking’ restrictions will be in place from Exeter Cross down Temple Street, the Radway, the length of All Saints and along Station Road until the Bowd from 3pm to 8pm.

Sidford Cross traffic lights will also be turned off for a limited period between 6.30pm and 8pm. A manned traffic management system will be in place, prioritising traffic exiting the town. The council has also announced that an Air Display Water Safety Zone will be in place from 6pm on the day.

Mr Holland said: “A failure to comply with this restriction could result in the air display being delayed, curtailed or even cancelled as seen at Dartmouth last year.

“We therefore encourage spectators to watch the display from one of the many vantage points on shore.”

Stagecoach has also said it will provide ‘additional capacity on the regular scheduled services’.

The will also be the usual car parking at Bedford Lawn and EDDC car parks at Ham East and West, Roxborough, Mill Street and Manor Road. The display is set to begin at 6pm and will also feature displays from the Red Arrows and the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.