Travel warning issued to motorists as thousands of rock fans set to head to Download Festival 2026
National Highways have issued a travel warning to motorists as thousands of rock fans will descend on Donington Park next week.
Motorists have been warned to ‘plan ahead’ as thousands of rock fans are set to travel to Download Festival next week.
The annual music festival will return to Donington Park between Wednesday (June 10) and Sunday (June 14), with headline performances from Guns N Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park over the weekend.
But the festival, which will take place near East Midlands Airport, four miles west of junction 23a of the M1 and five miles from junction 24, is expected to bring increased traffic to the motorways.
National Highways has warned drivers to ‘plan ahead’ and ‘allow time’ for journeys as the M1, A42, A453, A50 and A38 are expected to see significant increases in traffic, particularly when campsites open on Wednesday (June 10) and on Friday (June 12) for fans with three-day camping tickets and early on Monday (June 15) as campers head home.
Ticketholders have also been advised to follow event signage and travel information from festival organisers for correct directions to festival car parks, rather than relying on satnavs and phone apps.
Luke Thrussell, Senior Network Planner for the Midlands at National Highways, 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.
“Therefore, it is extremely important people follow the correct signage and directions on the Download Festival website for their ticket type.
“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 will be adding extra traffic officer patrols throughout the festival and will work with event organisers to help keep roads clear and traffic flowing. Electronic messages on nearby motorways and A roads will also notify motorists of any delays.
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