A massive police operation involving more than 60 officers will swing into action to handle the ride.

Chief Inspector Owen Gillard has drafted in volunteers from the MoD, and police in Dorset and Thames Valley to bolster his own officers.

He said: “In terms of resources it is not costing us anything in overtime.

“There will be 12 police officers, 30 traffic policeman as a whole and 20 officers in Wootton Bassett. There are quite a lot of officers involved.

“Some officers have been really keen to get involved so have volunteered for duty on that day.

“The organiser seemed grateful for our help and they have taken it on board. We want to make sure it is a safe event.”

He added: “We are going to mesh them into groups of 500, and effectively temporarily close some junctions, with the help of police cars,” he said.

“We want to avoid disruption so once the 500 get to Coped Hall roundabout in Wootton Bassett the riders have directions on how to disperse.”

He said the roundabout at Coped Hall will be closed off for the bikers to prevent them going back into the town.

He said: “The roundabout will be blocked up on the way back so they won’t be going back in. The organisers feel people will be happy to leave afterwards because it will be at the end of a long day.”

Chief Insp Gillard added: “A lot of people are arriving the night before, especially people from further afield.

“A lot of people are camping and in hotels so hopefully the M4 won’t be too busy on the Sunday.”