The stage is being set and signs have gone up ready for the return of Download 2026 to Castle Donington but with it comes congestion and increased traffic in the surrounding area.

The festival is expecting to bring around 95,000 music fans to Donington Park, bringing significant extra traffic to the M1, A42, A50 and A453.

There is warnings in place for any passengers flying from East Midlands Airport between 9 and 15 June to allow extra time to travel

The main times traffic is expected to be busiest in the area is between 8.30am and 4pm everyday from Wednesday 10, Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Monday 15 June.

Download Festival is working closely with North West Leicestershire District Council, Highway Agencies, local police and an independent traffic management company to minimise the impact of the festival on residents.

There is a large number of road closures, temporary traffic lights and diversions around the festival venue, all in place from 9 to 15 June.

The following road closures will be implemented if necessary to stop festival traffic cutting through residential areas and help manage traffic flow around the site:

• Donnington Bypass, Park Lane
• A453, Grimes Gate
• A453, The Green
• Melbourne Lane, Slade Lane
• Melbourne Lane, Forty Foot Lane
• Cockshut Lane, Derby Road
• Main Street, Packhorse Road
• Main Street, Main Street
• A453, Gelscote Lane

For festival-goers travelling via the A42, the organisers recommend leaving the duel carriage way at Junction 13, taking the A511 towards Ashby and taking the third exit onto the B587 towards Lount. Continue along the B587 towards Melbourne, turning right at Staunton Harold Reservoir. Turn right onto Main Street and left onto Melbourne Road and then follow signposts for different areas of the festival.

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To find out more about the recommended routes, closures, diversions and traffic measures, visit the Download Festival residents page or one.network