Tens of thousands of music fans heading to Download Festival next week are being warned to brace for heavy traffic – and not to trust their satnavs.
The three-day rock event at Donington Park, running from Friday June 12 to Sunday June 14, will see huge crowds gather to watch headline acts including Guns N’ Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
But with campsites opening from Wednesday June 10, officials say roads around the venue are likely to become gridlocked even before the main festival kicks off.
Key routes including the M1, A42, A453, A50 and A38 are all expected to be hit by significant delays, especially on arrival days and again early on Monday June 15 as festivalgoers head home.
Donington Park sits near East Midlands Airport, just off major motorway links – making it particularly vulnerable to congestion when thousands descend at once.
National Highways has urged drivers to ditch their satnav directions and instead follow festival signage, warning that GPS routes often send people the wrong way.
Luke Thrussell, Senior Network Planner for the Midlands, said: “Every year we see drivers being taken to the wrong car parks or down unsuitable routes, which only makes congestion worse.
“It’s really important that people follow the official Download Festival directions for their specific ticket.
“Don’t assume the route you used before will be the same this year – plan ahead before you set off.”
Extra traffic patrols will be deployed throughout the weekend, with live updates shared on motorway message boards to help drivers navigate delays.
Drivers are also being told to follow the National Highways ‘T.R.I.P.’ checklist before travelling:
- Top-up fuel, oil and screen wash
- Rest and take regular breaks
- Inspect tyres and lights
- Prepare your route and pack essentials
With tens of thousands set to descend on Donington, the message is clear: leave early, follow the signs – and expect queues.
