Thousands of bikers are to gather in Warwickshire for the start of a controversial motorcycle festival.

Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend the Bulldog Bash 2008 near Stratford-upon-Avon over four days.

Police will begin a £1.4m security operation to protect revellers following the death of Hell's Angel Gerry Tobin last year, who was shot on the M40 motorway as he left the festival on August 12.

The major police operation will cover all routes into the event in Long Marston, including motorways and country roads.

Bulldog Bash organisers have slammed the "over-the-top" operation, which last year cost £100,000, as a "waste of public money".

Warwickshire Police had objected to Stratford District Council's decision to grant the organisers a licence.

The force believed that the event could compromise public safety.

Event organiser John Britt, known as Bilbo, said this year's increased security measures were a "knee-jerk reaction" to being overruled by the council.

"This is one of the safest shows in Europe," he said. "The police operation is over-the-top and unjustified and is a hassle for the local people. I think it's a gross waste of local people's money."

Warwickshire's Assistant Chief Constable, Bill Holland, said the extra road closures and stop-and-search exercises were necessary to ensure public safety.