Leeds Festival

Yellow banner with words Leeds Festival in red text

Welcome to the West Yorkshire Police page for the 2023 Leeds Festival.

The dates for the festival this year are: Friday 25th August – Sunday 27th August at Bramham Park.

In the time leading up to the start of this year's event we will keep you updated with news about the policing operation as well as providing you with loads of hints and tips to ensure you have a safe and good time.

For the most up to date information about the festival, including full travel information, where to stay, personal safety advice please visit the dedicated Leeds Festival information pages (link opens a new browser window).

 

Index

 


Twitter accounts to follow

  • Follow the @LeedsFestPolice temporary Twitter account at @LeedsFestPolice
     
  • Follow the the Official Reading and Leeds Twitter account at @OfficialRandL

 

 

Traffic info / How to get there / maps

For the most up to date advice on how you can get to the festival view the travel section of the Leeds Festival website

Arena access times

The Arena will be open as follows

  • Thursday, 24th August from 5:00pm to 3:00am
     
  • Friday, 25th August through to Sunday, 27th August from 11:00am to 3:00am.
     

Campsite access times

  • Campsites will be open for Early Bird Ticket holders: 12 noon Wednesday 23rd August
     
  • Weekend campsite ticket holders: 3pm Thursday 24th August
     
  • Campsite closes at 12 noon Monday 28th August

 

Access by car

If you are travelling by car please drive carefully as the routes around the festival site will be busy.

Parking is included within the price of all tickets at Leeds Festival.

Please travel to the A1, M1 or the A1(M) whether you are coming from the North, South, East or West and then follow the signs from the motorway. All routes to Leeds Festival start from the A1(M). Please note that the junction numbers on the A1(M) that we are using changed a few years ago and out of date printed maps, and old sat nav systems may not reflect the correct junction numbering on the ground so follow the signage on the routes rather than checking against a map.

  • From A1(M) coming from the South

    The route to the festival will be signposted from Junction 41 Northbound.

    For traffic coming from the South, continue along the A1(M) Northbound to follow the Brown Route to site. Continue along the A1(M), exiting at Junction 45 onto the Grange Moor / Wattle Syke roundabouts. Follow signage onto West Woods Road, turning left onto Thorner Road and right onto Paradise Way where you’ll take a left to enter the site via Brown Gate.

     
  • From M1 coming from the South

    The route to the festival will be signposted from Junction 42 Northbound.

    For traffic coming from the South along the M1, continue Northbound joining with the A1(M) at Junction 47. Follow the A1(M) Northbound on the Brown Route to site. Follow signage along the A1(M), exiting at Junction 45 onto the Grange Moor / Wattle Syke roundabouts. Follow signage onto West Woods Road, turning left onto Thorner Road and right onto Paradise Way where you’ll take a left to enter the site via Brown Gate.

     
  • From M62 coming from the East

    The route to the festival will be signed from Junction 33 Westbound.

    For traffic coming from the East, follow the M62 Westbound joining the A1(M) Northbound at Junction 32a. Following the Brown Route, continue along the A1(M) and exit at Junction 45 onto the Grange Moor / Wattle Syke roundabouts. Follow signage onto West Woods Road, turning left onto Thorner Road and right onto Paradise Way where you’ll take a left to enter the site via Brown Gate.

     
  • From M62 coming from the West

    The route to the festival will be signed from Junction 29 Eastbound.

    For traffic coming from the West, follow the M62 Eastbound joining the A1(M) Northbound at Junction 32a. Following the Brown Route, continue along the A1(M) and exit at Junction 45 onto the Grange Moor / Wattle Syke roundabouts. Follow signage onto West Woods Road, turning left onto Thorner Road and right onto Paradise Way where you’ll take a left to enter the site via Brown Gate.

     
  • From A1/ A1(M) coming from the North

    The route to the festival will be signed from Junction 46 Southbound.

    For traffic coming from the North or from the direction of York along the A64, the White Route must be followed. The White Route starts on the A1(M), exiting via Junction 44 and turning left to join Paradise Way. Traffic will then enter the site, on a left turn, via White Gate.

 

Drop off / pick up zones

If you plan on being dropped off at Leeds Festival, or picked up when you are ready to leave, you will need to use the dedicated drop off / pick up zones, located off York Road (A64).

There is no pick up / drop off facility near to Yellow Gate this year.

This area will have dedicated signage with zones A to J along with better lighting to improve public safety.  Please do not pre-arrange to meet at specific zones as some zones will open / close dependent on volumes of people and traffic.

Please do not arrange to be dropped off or picked up on any of the other roads surrounding the festival site as these roads are covered by temporary traffic orders, making it an offence to stop a vehicle to drop off or pick up in these areas.

Please use the dedicated safe drop off pick up zones which will be clearly signposted.  The surrounding road network may be dark and unlit and may pose a safety risk to pedestrians, the dedicated pick up / drop off zones are well lit and designed to enhance safety for all pedestrians.

 

Private coaches at Leeds Festival

If you plan to book a coach for you and your friends from a private operator to drop you off / pick you up at Leeds Festival please email [email protected] to book your time slots. The bus pick up and drop off is very busy so it’s important you let Festival organisers know when you are coming.

Only email if you have booked your own coach - Festival organisers will then try to schedule your drop off at your preferred time.

Minibuses (up to 16 seater) don’t need to register, just turn up as you would with a car and follow signage for the pick up and drop off area.

 

A64 one-way system

Note : this year the one-way system on the A64 will be in place for the duration of the festival.

From 4am on Wednesday 23rd August to 3pm on Monday 28th August, the A64 between the Fox and Grapes public house and the A1(M) / A64 roundabout (Bramham Interchange) will be closed to all traffic travelling Eastbound (i.e. from Leeds to York).

Drop off and pick ups will access the Festival via the A64 from the direction of the A1(M) at Junction 44 into Red Gates 1 & 2 and then exit onto the A64 from Red Gate 3 back towards the A1(M). 

 

Non Festival driver information

Non-festival traffic is advised to consider alternative routes and allow more time for their journey.

For details on alternative routes and other local residents information, please visit the local residents website.

 

Thorner village closure

As in previous years Thorner Village will be closed at the below locations and will operate a vehicle pass system for the duration of the festival during the below timings.

  1. Northern part of Mangrill Lane
  2. Carr Lane (very close to the A58)
  3. Thorner / Skeltons Lane
  4. Skeltons Lane / ELOR
  5. Thorner / Milner Lane (next to the green triangle)
  6. Wothersome corner (west of junction of Thorner Lane / Thorner Road)
  7. Thorner / Holme Farm Lane and Bramham Lane

For alternative routes for Thorner village residents, please visit the local residents website.

Please do not arrange to be dropped off or picked up from the closure points, as there is strictly no pedestrian access to the festival.

 

Aberford village closure

Aberford Village will not be accessible to festival goers and there will be no through access throughout the duration of Leeds Festival. The junction of Main Street with the A64 just to the West of the Junction 44 roundabout will be closed from 4am on Wednesday 23rd August to 3pm on Monday 28th August.

For alternative routes for Aberford village residents, please visit the local residents website.

Please do not arrange to be dropped off or picked up from the closure points, as there is strictly no pedestrian access to the festival.

 

West Woods Road one-way system

West Woods Road will be closed at its junction with Wattle Syke for Southbound traffic for all festival exit periods:

  • Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 3am
     
  • Sunday at 9pm to Monday at 3pm.

This will allow exiting traffic from the White Gate to travel up Paradise Way, left onto Thorner Road, and right onto West Woods Road. Festival traffic travelling east along Thorner Road will turn left onto West Woods Road and independently of the White Gate exit. 

 

Towing notice

Please note that towing will be in operation for the duration of the event and vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed away in accordance with the Removal & Disposal of Vehicle Regulations 1986.

Festival Republic and associated partners are unable to accept liability for personal damages, losses or injuries sustained as a result of towing vehicles – including damage and losses to property and motor vehicles.

 

No stopping at any time

Please be advised that there is strictly no parking, stopping or waiting on the A64 or along the White & Brown vehicle routes.

The access roads have temporary ‘no stopping’ traffic orders on them and Police will be enforcing this.

Parking is included in the price of tickets at Leeds Festival. Staff at the festival will direct you to the right place to park.

 

Driving home after the event

You are likely to get a lot less sleep on site than you would at home and so please ensure you have a good exit strategy with a sober and well rested driver by the time you come to leave the car parks. 

Do not let anyone drive that shouldn’t be as they are too tired, not yet sober etc.  It is too risky.  Coffee alone won’t do it.  Please plan ahead and get home safely.

 

Google Map of the Festival location

Bramham Park* Google Map use this Google map for basic directions / route timings to the Festival area, however, once close to the Festival site - please always follow the traffic information on signposts and the information provided above.

(*the venue for Leeds Festival)

 

 

Local weather forecast

Leeds Festival Weather Forecast

 

 

Keeping you and your property safe - advice from West Yorkshire Police

Flip FlopsWhile the vast majority of the people at the festival are there to have a good time, listen to great music, and build up a considerable amount of washing, there are some less than desirable characters who look to prey on festival-goers.

We’ll be at the festival targeting these people and ensuring you get the most from your time there.

Please take a look at the tips below which can help protect you and your property and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime

 

 

Keeping safe

  • While walking around the festival try to stay with friends, particularly at night
     
  • Always take a torch with you. Chances are you won’t be back to your tent ‘till after dark
     
  • Be aware of what’s around you and try not to walk around with headphones in
     
  • Try to keep your valuables hidden- don’t flash them around
     
  • Try to avoid carrying anything in your back pockets– the event is busier than Oxford Street, and pick-pockets love it. Pockets with zips are the safest way to go
     
  • Arrange an easy meeting point with your friends in case you case get split up and don’t have a mobile. Choose three times during the day where you can meet e.g. 2pm, 6pm and 1am
     
  • Please be mindful when drinking alcohol that offenders can see you as vulnerable, and an ‘easy target’ for committing crimes like theft. Stay aware and stick with your friends

 

 

Looking after your stuff / keeping your property safe

  • Try to keep any valuables you bring to a bare minimum - consider bringing an old mobile and a digital camera rather than the latest high value mobile
     
  • Keep car keys, cash, credit cards and mobiles with you at all times or in one of the free security lock-ups
     
  • Split your cash and cards into two hoards so that if one goes you have back-up
     
  • Mark your property with your name and postcode. This makes it easier for us to reunite any lost or stolen items. Campsite Assistance Teams (CATs) have UV pens and they are also available at the security lock-ups
     
  • Consider registering your property at immobilise database. This is a free service and we check all recovered property with this database
     
  • Leave a record of any credit card you take, including the account number and the cancellation phone number, at home. If the worse happens you can report it stolen quickly

 

 

Keeping your vehicle safe

  • Don’t leave anything valuable in your car and leave the glove box open and empty
     
  • It’s also a good idea to check on your vehicle during the duration of the festival so there are no nasty surprises when you come to leave
     
  • For more information on crime prevention techniques on how to keep your vehicle and belongings safe whilst at the festival, please visit our vehicle crime prevention page.

 

 

Camping

  • TentIf you have any concerns about camping at the festival try to site your tent near to the fire tower or by your Zone Manager’s caravan
     
  • Introduce yourself to those around you so they now your face and your tent. Let each other know when you’re not going to be around and keep an eye on each others stuff
     
  • Report anything or anyone suspicious to campsite staff – that’s what they’re there for
     
  • Don’t put a padlock on your tent - this will only invite thieves
     
  • Don’t bury your valuables by your tent. Someone is bound to be watching
     
  • When you’re sleeping place any valuable items at the bottom of your sleeping bag
     
  • Keep to main routes on the site when dark and try to travel around in groups
     
  • Attach a distinctive flag on a pole by your tent. It will help you identify it if you get a bit lost
     
  • Ensure that you leave any BBQ away from your tent to avoid any potentially harmful fumes while you sleep

 

 

Drugs

Click here to read our Know Who You're Dealing With drugs advice

Forget what you may have heard about festivals being a place for peace, love and drug taking.

While there may be a fair bit of the first two things drug taking of any kind will not be tolerated at the festival.

Security checks on your way into the site will be stringent and staff are adept at finding drug stashes.

The law at Leeds Festival has to be enforced, just as it would be any other part of the country.

Anyone found with a suspicious substance will be arrested and taken from the site while tests are undertaken to ascertain the exact nature of a powder or tablet.

No drugs are safe to use, often drugs are sold as one type of drug but are in fact another (e.g. sold as MDMA/Ecstasy but is in fact a stronger and more harmful drug as such as Alpha-PVP). You cannot guarantee what you are buying.

Substances not covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) but now fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016). These include any substance that causes a psychoactive effect on a person (i.e. change in mental/physical state).

A conviction for taking or supplying controlled drugs to your friends will impact on your life. This can include travel plans, employment prospects as well as your general reputation.

Drug supply is linked to other areas of serious and organised crime as such as human trafficking/modern slavery, children criminal and/or sexual exploitation, firearms and serious violence.

Come to the festival and enjoy it but don’t let one bad decision ruin the weekend and jeopardise your future. Have fun, but stay safe!

 

 

#BeSafeBeSound

Counter Terrorism Policing is working with Leeds Festival organisers and West Yorkshire Police to help people enjoy their live events safely this summer.

The #BeSafeBeSound campaign was created in 2019 with the aim of sharing simple safety and security advice for music-lovers.

The advice for anyone attending this year’s Leeds Festival, or any other live music event this summer is:

  • Arrive early for extra security measures. This will help prevent delays in getting into the event.
     
  • Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.
     
  • It is essential that you don’t bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.
     
  • If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don’t leave it to someone else.
     
  • If you see something on social media that concerns you, report it.
     
  • In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from festival staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.
     
  • Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else’s bags, no matter how genuine they seem.
     
  • If there is an incident, listen to festival staff and any announcements.
     
  • There is a comprehensive partnership security plan in operation for this event so in the event of an emergency please follow the instructions of security officers, stewards or the police.
     
  • For your added security a mixture of uniformed and plain clothes security guards and police officers will be working on site 24/7 in conjunction with the CCTV control room, including behavioural detection officers.
     
  • Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens – Run, Hide, Tell.

More information on what to look out for can be found at www.counterterrorism.police.uk/safetyadvice

If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ACT. Report it in confidence at www.gov.uk/ACT. You will not be wasting our time. Your actions could save lives.

You can follow and support the campaign at @TerrorismPolice on Twitter and @counterterrorismpoliceuk on Facebook using #BeSafeBeSound

 

 

Help Us

  • BeerIf you do become a victim of crime, report it as soon as possible to the police or site staff. Try to get a good description of the suspect and their clothing and note the area it took place (look out for landmarks such as fire towers, loos, distinctive tents). 
     
  • If you have an incident with a security guard, steward or any other member of festival staff that you want us to look into please make a note of their tabard number and the name on their pass.
     
  • Please don’t be alarmed by our advice. Crime at festivals is relatively low we just don’t want anything to happen to you.

 

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Page last reviewed July 2023.