Leeds Festival traffic jams warning to drivers

Imagine Dragons performing at Leeds Festival in 2023

Drivers have been warned to expect heavy congestion around the Leeds Festival site over the Bank Holiday weekend.

More than 90,000 people are due to attend the event at Bramham Park and several roads nearby will be closed.

National Highways cautioned ticket-holders to allow plenty of time for their journeys and other motorists have been advised to avoid the area.

Operations manager Dave Skupski warned drivers not to underestimate how busy the roads would be.

He said: “Leeds Festival has the second biggest impact on traffic on our network after the British Grand Prix.

“Our message to anyone heading to the festival or using those key routes around Leeds over the weekend is to plan your journey, check traffic conditions before setting out and give yourself plenty of time.

"Follow the signs, and don’t rely on your satnavs.”

The M1, A1(M) and A64 around Leeds are expected to be especially busy as Bramham Park is close to the A1/A64 interchange.

Road closures will be in place at points on the A64, A1M and local roads. Some roads will be subject to 30mph speed limits and bans on U-turns.

The busiest times are expected to be around 23:00 BST on Sunday and 02:00 BST on Bank Holiday Monday, and then from 08:00 BST to 14:00 BST later that day.

Mr Skupski added: “If you’re not planning to attend, please make sure you allow extra time if you’re travelling around this area. If possible, avoid the expected peak festival arrival and departure times.”

There will also be footpath closures through the Bramham Park Estate and along Mangrill Lane bridleway.

Residents living within the affected areas should have received a road closure pass in the post.

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