Saturday, July 6, 2024

Glastonbury travel warning as more than 200k to hit the roads from tomorrow

Must read

DRIVERS have been issued an urgent travel warning ahead of the start of this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Motorists have been warned to ignore their sat-navs and instead follow official signs to Glastonbury Festival to prevent further gridlocked roads from tomorrow.

Tailbacks expected to affect major roads including the M5 in the run up to Glastonbury festival (stock image)Credit: AFP
Glastonbury will see its 52nd festival this weekend, with traffic expected on all major roads leading into Somerset from tomorrow. Pictured, the festival 2023.Credit: Getty
Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA and Shania Twain will all headline this year’s Glastonbury festival commencing tomorrow. Pictured, the festival in 2022Credit: Getty
Gridlocked roads forecast alongside hot weather for this weekend’s major music festival (stock image)Credit: Getty

Major roads including the M5 and A303 are expected to face heavy congestion with the RAC suggesting any routes into the Somerset site will likely see tailbacks.

The Met Office has already forecast hot spells of 27C for the first day of the festival taking place this weekend, increasing fears of delays and breakdowns.

Official advice from the RAC warns drivers to prepare for delays by not driving when tired and to keep a store of water in case of any soaring temperatures.

Sat-navs should not be relied on with official signage being the recommended navigational tool to ensure drivers arrive at Worthy Farm stress-free.

A spokesperson for RAC Breakdown said: “It’s far better to follow the official directional signs to get to the right car park.

“You don’t want to end up at the wrong entrance – this creates more delays for everyone and is a sure-fire way of arriving at anything but the ‘Speed of Sound’.”

Those coming from the north via the M5 should exit at junction 23 and head east, whilst those travelling from the south should head towards Taunton at junction 25.

Motorists have also been told to check their vehicles before setting off for the five day festival to avoid resorting to assistance from the RAC or similar.

This includes checking oil and coolant levels as well as ensuring tyres are free from damage.

According to the Glastonbury website, the worst time to arrive at Worthy Farm is between 7am and 2pm on Wednesday 26 with further delays expected when the main stage opens on Friday 28.

Yet, delays are expected earlier with vehicles being allowed to park on the site from today with public car parking available upon arrival for £60 cash.

Drivers arriving early to wait for the festival to start will be forced to stay in the car park where there are no facilities apart from toilets ahead, they’ve been warned.

RAC Western patrol team manager, Gary Hesketh also wants to remind festival-goers that to prevent being met by a flat battery on Monday morning they should ensure all doors are locked and no lights left on.

Traffic congestion is expected to worsen on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1 as drivers head home.

This comes as rumours that noughties rock band, Kasabian, have planned a secret set at the festival.

Whilst drink prices have been dubbed ‘criminal’ with pints of pop expected to be sold for £6.

Latest Met Office forecast for Glastonbury

Festival-goers should pack their sunglasses and sandals with The Met Office predicting highs of 27C for the opening day of the event.

Temperatures are not expected to remain so pleasant with rain and cloud likely from the second day.

Yet, it is not all downcast with the main stage opening on Friday expected to be met with sunny spells.

This comes as the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a yellow health alert for all areas of England except the north east.

Those suffering from health conditions are particular at risk with the heatwave conditions expected to remain for three consecutive days.

Latest article