A seaside town in Kent is set to be gridlocked on Saturday as thousands flock to the coast on the same day as rail strikes.

With Margate's beach likely to be packed as temperatures top 30C, at the same time as a popular Pride Festival takes place, the town's roads are expected to be jammed.

It comes as rail passengers are being warned they face major disruption as train drivers gear up to walk out again in the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

There will be no Southeastern services at all on Saturday. The 24-hour walkout is set to coincide with another busy weekend of summer events and football fixtures, with travellers being warned it risks upending their plans.

The Smoked & Uncut festival in Bridge, near Canterbury, is expected to draw thousands of visitors - as is Whitstable Harbour Day and Boat Show.

But the real pinch point is expected to be in Thanet, with Margate Pride set to be back with a bang after two years of low-key festivities.

Huge crowds donning colourful clothing are set to descend on the town.

But as the event coincides with hot weather and a rail strike, visitors have been urged to get there early and plan ahead.

Margate councillor and deputy mayor Rob Yates (Lab) fears the busy weekend for the town could result in queues on the roads.

"If you’re coming to Margate Pride, it’s probably best to come as early as possible to avoid any traffic jams and make sure parking is booked in advance," he said.

"For example, the Dreamland car park does get filled up on the day. You need to be prepared and arrive early.

"I’m sure the whole town will be having an absolutely amazing time regardless of the strikes."

On Margate Pride's Facebook page, they have launched a car-share group, urging people who have space in their vehicles to make others aware.

"We want Margate Pride to be as eco as possible, so the news of the train strike on August 13 is frustrating but unpreventable," it says.

"We would love you to use this event page to carpool."

The parade will start at the Oval Bandstand on Eastern Esplanade at 4.30pm - where Pride celebrations will be taking place - and will travel along Margate seafront to the Main Sands.

Pop trio Sugababes are set to headline the festival.

Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy will perform at the Dreamland concert on Saturday, which forms part of the town’s LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Cllr Yates says the seafront usually experiences "very large jams" on busy Saturdays during the summer.

"There are a limited number of car parking spaces in Margate and the surrounding areas - and normally that is okay," he added.

"But with the train strikes, the roads will be very busy with people trying to find parking spaces.

"If people can arrive early and be aware of any road closures along the seafront in the afternoon, I think we will get through this and have a good time."

The Dreamland website provides details of advice and alternative methods of travel, such as by car, coach, bus or taxi. It also provides details of hotels and camping destinations so visitors can stay over - rather than travelling on Saturday.

Dreamland programming manager, James Penfold said: "We’ve got a busy weekend coming up and we’re so looking forward to welcoming everyone to Margate Pride Festival at Dreamland.

"Despite the planned rail strikes, the music and festival fun will still be happening, so we would advise ticket holders to find alternative methods of transport and allow additional times for their journeys, so they can enjoy all the planned events safely."

For information on parking, accommodation and more in Margate, ticket holders are advised to visit the 'no trains, no problem' section on Dreamland's website.

Strike action by the Aslef trade union means there will be no Southeastern train services on Saturday.

Scott Brightwell, Southeastern’s operations and safety director, said: "Due to strike action we will not be able to run any trains at all, and so we’d strongly advise our passengers not to attempt to travel by train, and to make another plan if they do need to travel.

"We apologise for the obvious inconvenience this causes."

There will be no rail replacement buses or taxis available.

Meanwhile, National Highways has urged motorists to plan ahead on Saturday.

Customer service director Mel Clarke said: "National Highways will be putting measures in place to ensure we continue to keep the country moving safely and deal with any increased traffic volumes caused by rail strike action.

"Roads could be busier than usual during strike days so we’d recommend that drivers plan journeys in advance and carry out basic checks to make sure vehicles are roadworthy.

"This includes checking tyres, engine oil, water, lights and ensuring you have enough fuel to get to your destination."

Kent County Council has advised Duke Street in Margate will be shut to traffic from 6am for the Margate Pride event, with it expected to reopen at midnight.

The Sugababes will be joined at Pride by the Fabulous Lounge Singers, a three-piece swing band who will be performing their unique covers of Pride-themed pop songs, and Don One, a drag king who recently starred in the West End show Death Drop.

The line-up also includes Bollywood entertainment from Hungama and live music, dancing and DJ sets from the Margate Pride queens, all hosted by comedian Jack Rooke.

The main bulk of this year's summer strikes have been carried out by the RMT union and Aslef - with both campaigning for better pay and conditions for members who they say are facing a cost of living crisis as a result of wages which haven't kept up with inflation.

And with few signs that the disputes are likely to be resolved, the RMT has also already given notice for two more strikes this month.

All of its members - amounting to more than 30,000 - will join what is set to be their fourth and fifth 24-hour walk outs of the summer on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.