Drivers heading to this year's Glastonbury Festival are being urged by the RAC to brace themselves for considerable traffic delays, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday as attendees make their way to Worthy Farm. The motoring organisation highlighted that the sheer volume of vehicles converging on a single location will inevitably lead to congestion on key arterial routes and local roads surrounding the festival site.
The annual music and arts festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people, typically sees the heaviest traffic build-up during the initial entry days. The RAC's warning underscores the importance of advance planning for those travelling by car, recommending that motorists allow ample extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes if possible, although dedicated festival routes are often signposted.
Key roads expected to be heavily affected include the A303, a primary route from London and the South East, the A37, and sections of the M5 motorway which feeds into the festival area. Local roads around Pilton, Somerset, where the festival is held, will also experience significant pressure, with various temporary road closures and diversions implemented by local authorities to manage the flow of traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.
Beyond just planning the route, the RAC also advised drivers to undertake essential vehicle checks before setting off. This includes ensuring adequate fuel levels, checking tyre pressures, and topping up engine oil and screenwash. Packing emergency supplies such as water, snacks, a fully charged mobile phone, and a first-aid kit is also recommended, especially given the potential for extended periods of being stationary in traffic.
The advice from the RAC aims to mitigate some of the stress and delays associated with the mass exodus to Glastonbury, which is a highlight of the British summer calendar. While the festival organisers and local police also issue travel advice, the RAC's focus on vehicle preparedness and general road safety adds another layer of guidance for festival-goers.