MORE THAN 40,000 people are expected to arrive at Barry Island by all transport methods necessary to bag a spot to view the Red Arrows.

The resort’s annual Barry at War Weekend is expected to witness the biggest crowd of the year as the world-famous aerobatic display team graces the Vale skies.

Visitors are encouraged to take public transport to avoid getting caught in any traffic congestion.

Pedestrians and cyclists can make use of the Harbour Road causeway and Cardiff Bus will operate its normal Saturday and Sunday services.

A park and ride vintage shuttle train service, operated by the Barry Tourist Railway will depart from the Waterfront Station, Hood Road, Barry, from 9.15am and every 15 minutes until 4pm.

The two-centred event will be held at Barry Island Railway Station, the headquarters of the Barry Tourist Railway, and on Whitmore Bay’s promenade.

The centre-piece of the event will be the Red Arrows full display at midday on Saturday, June 20, at Whitmore Bay and other things to see and do on the Island will include a Red Arrows simulator so that you can try flying a red RAF Hawk aircraft yourself.

Director of the Barry Tourist Railway John Buxton said: “We at the Barry at War team are really excited about the event and my company, Cambrian Transport, is pleased to be the main sponsor of this and the Red Arrows display.

“I’m pleased to say that we have enlisted the support of many Barry Island traders this year to help support the display including John’s Café, Marco’s, O’Shea’s Café and Danter’s Fun Fair.

“Our last Barry at War event was a great success bringing over 40.000 people to Barry Island and year by year it’s growing and growing.”

The weekend tells people about the history of Barry, particularly, the docks, the railway and the key role Barry played in the two World Wars.

The Barry at War Museum will be open at Barry Island Station where there will be re-enactors in period uniforms and dress, together with military and fashion displays, plus vintage stalls giving the station an authentic 1940s atmosphere.

There is also a Jazz Festival.

Further displays and military and vintage stalls will be set up behind the promenade of Whitmore Bay.

John added: “Barry is a great place and we’re so pleased that we have secured the Red Arrows for our Barry at War event to help people understand more about the town’s wartime history. Why not come along in vintage clothes and really get into the swing?”

The event at Barry Island station and Hood Road Waterfront station runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, June 20 and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, June 21.

The Red Arrows are scheduled to arrive at midday on Saturday, June 21.