Glastonbury festival traffic: What Devon and Dartmoor drivers need to know this June

With Glastonbury Festival starting this week, drivers setting off from Devon and Dartmoor are being reminded to expect heavy traffic and to plan journeys carefully.

Thousands of people from across Devon will be travelling to Worthy Farm near Glastonbury between Wednesday, 25 June and Friday, 27 June.

Key routes such as the M5 (junctions 23 and 25), the A39, and the A303 are expected to see significant congestion, especially during peak festival travel times.

The A39 has previously experienced heavy delays by mid-morning as drivers make their way towards the festival site.

Meanwhile, residents travelling locally within Devon and across Dartmoor may also face delays, as festival traffic filters through the region’s main roads, affecting routes in North and Mid Devon.

Traffic is predicted to peak again on Monday, 30 June, when festival-goers leave the event and head back home, potentially adding pressure to roads around the county.

Kathryn Wiltshire, National Highways’ South West Resilience Planner, said: “With large numbers of festival visitors travelling from Devon and beyond, drivers should allow extra time and take care on key routes. We advise people to plan journeys in advance, set off early where possible, and stay safe on the roads.”

National Highways also recommends the TRIP checklist to help drivers prepare for summer journeys:

• Top up fuel, oil, and screen wash before leaving

• Rest every two hours to prevent fatigue

• Inspect tyres for correct pressure and tread depth

• Prepare for changing weather conditions

“With warm weather expected, it’s vital to check your vehicle before heading out and carry plenty of water to stay hydrated. Tyre problems and running low on fuel remain leading causes of breakdowns,” added Kathryn.

Whether you’re travelling from Devon to the festival or just out and about locally, planning ahead and allowing extra travel time will help keep your journey smooth during this busy period.