National Highways East Midlands is reporting heavy traffic in the Ashby area due to people travelling to this weekend's Download Festival at Donington Park.

This evening (Wednesday) there was severe congestion on all approaches to the area - delaying some journeys by at least two hours.

National Highways says drivers should avoid the A42 north past Ashby, the A453 north and south, the A50 east and the M1 north.

The Download Twitter page posted: "Downloaders - Use M1 J24 and A50 only and follow road signs from there. Do not use Sat Nav or the A453".

Updates are available HERE.

The event is the 20th anniversary of Download and this year features top rock acts such as Metallica, Slipknot and Ghost.

North West Leicestershire District Council says that campsites are open from 12pm today (Wednesday 7 June) until 12pm on Monday 12 June.

Car parks are now open until 4pm on Monday 12 June.

Sounds tests will be carried out on:

• Wednesday 7 June (today): 2pm – 7pm

• Thursday 8 and Friday 9 June: 10am – 12pm

• Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June: 10am – 11am

The council adds: "If you're a local resident and believe the noise levels are too high please get in touch with Download Festival's Residents Team at [email protected].

"You can also find more information about getting to the site HERE.