Thousands are expected to descend on Herne Bay next week when the spectacular air show returns with a bumper line-up.

The free event, which attracted 70,000 people last year, will feature a total of 22 display teams and 47 aircraft - including 18 jets.

Ahead of the big day next Sunday, organisers at the BayPromoTeam have released a list of must-read information about the event...

1. Public transport

Organisers say visitors need to use public transport for the event.

Bosses at Southeastern and Stagecoach will both be significantly strengthening services to help meet demand. If event travel advice is ignored, visitors will very likely end up stuck in traffic.

2. Neptune's Arm

Following changes to Civil Aviation Authority regulations this year and in light of a review of safety procedures, Neptune’s Arm will be closed to the public until all flying displays are complete.

As visitors may have experienced previously, the display line is very broad and can be enjoyed from Hampton to Bishopstone and beyond.

3. Stay off the sand and out of water

Visitors have been told not to venture out into the water or onto the sand from 11.30am until 5.30pm between the red shelter on Hampton slopes, at Heron Angling Club, and The Ship Inn.

An exclusion zone in place for safety reasons exists between those points, and a map will be displayed for reference and applies to all persons and watercraft.

Venturing inside this area during displayed times may result in displays being cancelled. Visitors are asked to remember that the sand inside Neptune’s Arm is extremely dangerous and should always be avoided.

Stewards will be in those areas providing advice if required.

The beach between the pier and the bandstand is to be closed in the morning until around 12.45pm, as it will be a landing site for the parachute display team.

Visitors must not enter that area until they are advised it is safe to do so by event stewards.

4. Lost children

There were many lost children incidents last year.

To help reduce the number, organisers have asked visitors to keep their children close at all times, ask for a free wristband from one of their many stewards which they can write their mobile number on, or write their mobile number on their child’s arm so organisers can contact someone should they become separated.

Visitors are also asked to look out for the many lost children flags along the seafront and contact one of stewards immediately if they become detached from their child.

5. Prepare for the weather

It sounds obvious, but the strength of the sun over the day can burn easily.

Spectators are asked to apply plenty of high factor sun cream, wear hats and other additional protection. Even in drizzly or fairly windy conditions, certain aircraft are still permitted and able to perform, so visitors should visit the BayPromoTeam website for any updates on the day should weather potentially affect display teams, times and performances.

6. Loos

Portable toilet provision will be increased this year, including for disabled people, but queues are inevitable.

Organisers have asked for visitors to familiarise themselves with other toilet locations such the toilets in William Street, the Bandstand, next to Cain’s Amusements on Central Parade, The King's Hall, Hampton Car Park, and next to the play area in the Memorial Park.

7. Evening entertainment

Under the terms of the licence applicable for the clock tower plaza evening entertainment next Sunday, glasses and glass bottles are not permitted under any circumstances in this area.

Visitors are asked to bring plastic bottles or cups.

8. Keep the town tidy

Visitors are asked to keep the Bay's promenades and beaches clean and tidy by taking any rubbish they bring home with them.

9. First aid

The British Red Cross will have a visible presence within the main crowd area. If visitors suffer any significant injury or are feeling unwell, they are asked to alert an event steward or visit one of the treatment centres next to Cain’s Amusements, the Bandstand, or in Neptune’s Car Park. For families, organisers recommend bringing a small first aid kit with them with plasters for small cuts and bruises which can sometimes be associated with a visit to the beach.

10. Drones

Flying restrictions have been established between 12pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, August 14. As a result, no small unmanned aircraft systems shall be flown without the permission of the Herne Bay air show flying display director.

11. Listen

Visitors are advised to listen out for PA safety announcements within the main crowd area throughout the day, and remember that Radio Cabin will have a live broadcast of the event, including air display commentary on 105.3FM if visitors are outside of the central area.

12. Times

Flying displays run from 12.30pm until 5.30pm, with the headlining Red Arrows taking to the sky at 2pm.

Among the other headline aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon will appear at 12.50pm.

The day itself starts at 10am and ends at 9.30pm.

13. Road closures

Organisers are planning to extend the Central Parade closure this year from Lane End to the junction of Canterbury Road and Beacon Hill.

Closure times will be announced soon, with notices posted through residents' door if parking near your home or residence will be temporarily affected by the event.

The watercraft launching ramps at Neptune's Arm will also be closed for launch and recovery ahead of and until the morning after the event.

14. Communication

The mobile phone network is expected to be unable to cope with demand at certain points during the air show.

Organisers have asked for people to arrange before the event to meet at one of the landmarks along the seafront - the pier, bandstand, or clock tower - prior to the display if they are separated and unable to communicate due to a network overload.

15. Programmes

A packed programme is now available in shops and outlets across the town for £5. It includes all flight times, an A3 colour pull-out poster of the Red Arrows and the all-important flight times.

The programme can also be downloaded at www.hernebayairshow.co.uk.