The Red Arrows will perform aat Kidwelly carnival

Kidwelly carnival normally attracts around 1,000 visitors but the town is preparing for an invasion after the Royal Air Force (RAF) agreed to take part.

The world famous Red Arrows will be performing a fly-over, there will be a Spitfire display and the RAF parachute team will round off proceedings by landing at the main park.

Police are warning all roads in and out of the castle town will be closed to visitors for the event on 12 July with park and ride facilities on offer instead.

Kidwelly is a very small mediaeval town that would be overwhelmed if this amount of traffic were allowed in Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman

Residents have not always seen eye to eye with the RAF because there have been concerns about low flying and noise from the nearby range at Pembrey.

But organisers are thrilled with the support they have had from the service and the RAF say they are only too pleased to help.

Former Kidwelly mayor Michael Higgins said: "The RAF work in the area all year and this is a thank-you gift for working alongside each other.

"It's a big coup for us and we are especially pleased as any money we make will go towards the elderly residents at Christmas and to help the young people in the town.

However, the anticipated number of visitors has proved a bit of a nightmare for the organising committee.

Usually it only take eight to 10 volunteers to run the whole day.

The Day's Events Midday - Red Arrows 1300BST - Carnival procession 1500BST - Spitfire display 1600BST - Parachute display

The local scout group, rotary club, farmers and school will marshal the out-of-town parking areas that can accommodate 1,000 cars.

Portable toilets are being brought in and buses will run back and forth throughout the day - all provided through sponsorship.

"We are really proud that we've been able to do this and it shows people can do something to help themselves," added Mr Higgins.

A spokesman for the RAF said: "There have been long-standing ties between the RAF and the area not least through Pembrey airport.

"We hope people will turn out and give it their support as it really is a nice area and town."

Roads to Kidwelly will be closed to visitors on the day

Dyfed-Powys Police have had to make special arrangements for the day.

A spokesman said: "It is estimated between 5,000 and 15,000 people will attend the town or vicinity during the event.

"Kidwelly is a very small mediaeval town that would be overwhelmed if this amount of traffic were allowed in.

"Therefore numerous car parks have been set up around the outskirts of the town plus a park and ride at Pembrey Airfield.

"There will be very limited access to the town centre and if the volume of pedestrians becomes very heavy there will be no access at all.

Visitors to the event are being advised to leave in plenty of time, follow signs to the car parks and not attempt to enter the town centre itself as they will be turned back.