Motorists face major traffic warning as Download Festival brings chaos to M1 and surrounding roads

Drivers have been warned to expect major delays across key routes as Download Festival gets underway at Donington Park today.

Thousands of rock fans are expected to descend on the famous East Midlands venue for the three-day music event, which runs until Sunday, June 14, and features some of the biggest names in rock and metal.

This year's headline acts include Guns N' Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park, with large crowds expected throughout the weekend as festivalgoers travel from across the UK.

National Highways has issued a warning to motorists, warning that roads around the site are likely to become heavily congested as visitors make their way to Donington Park.

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The festival grounds are located close to East Midlands Airport, around four miles west of Junction 23A of the M1 motorway and roughly five miles from Junction 24.

Traffic is expected to build on several major routes serving the venue, including the M1, A42, A453, A50 and A38, with drivers urged to take extra care.

Officials have also warned that another spike in congestion is likely on Monday morning as thousands of campers leave the site and begin their journeys home.

Festival campsites opened earlier this week, with today (Friday, June 12) marking the arrival of many ticket holders staying for the full weekend.

National Highways has urged drivers heading to Download not to rely solely on satellite navigation systems or smartphone mapping apps when approaching the venue.

Instead, festivalgoers are being advised to follow official event signage and directions provided by organisers.

According to the highways authority, navigation apps frequently direct motorists to incorrect entrances, unsuitable roads or the wrong car parks, creating additional delays for both festival traffic and local residents.

Luke Thrussell, Senior Network Planner for the Midlands at National Highways, said drivers should carefully plan their journeys before setting off.

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He said: "Every year we see thousands of people travelling to Donington Park for the festival, and their satnavs or phone apps will often take them to the wrong location for car parks or through unsuitable routes. This can lead to increased traffic and congestion on roads surrounding the venue."

Mr Thrussell urged festivalgoers to check the Download Festival website for guidance linked to their specific ticket type before travelling.

He added: "Do not assume the route or entry points you have used previously will be the same this year and plan your journey before you set off."

National Highways said it will be working closely with festival organisers throughout the weekend to manage traffic around the site.

Additional traffic officer patrols will be deployed on surrounding roads to help keep vehicles moving and respond quickly to any incidents.

Electronic message boards on nearby motorways and major A-roads will also be used to provide motorists with live information on delays and disruptions.

Drivers attending the festival are reminded that parking passes must be purchased in advance through the organisers. These passes include a QR code, which can be used to access live travel and traffic updates.

Officials have also asked motorists to use only the designated pick-up and drop-off area near the festival's east entrance.

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