Travel advice ahead of Radio 1's Big weekend
Getty ImagesA local authority is urging festival goers to pre-plan their travel ahead of Radio 1's Big Weekend.
Sunderland City Council has issued guidance ahead of the flagship music event at Herrington Country Park, from 22 to 24 May.
This year's line-up includes Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson, Fatboy Slim, Fisher, MK, Sonny Fodera, CMAT, Dermot Kennedy, Ellie Goulding, Kehlani, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan.
Executive director of economy, Peter McIntyre, said: "We want everyone to have a brilliant time while they're here, so our advice is to plan your journey in advance and make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there on the day."
The council is working with the North East Combined Authority to ensure this year's Big Weekend is "a fantastic experience for everyone attending".
Funding from the North East Mayor's office has been provided to "enable the Big Weekend and accompanying fringe activities to achieve maximum reach and exposure".
McIntyre, said the event would be an "incredible showcase for Sunderland and the region", with some of the biggest names in music performing across the three-day festival, as well as "fantastic homegrown talent".
He added it was important to pre-plan return transport "as soon as possible" and for those not attending, to be aware that public transport and routes around the city will be especially busy that weekend.
Travel by public transport
SHUTTLE BUSES
Regular shuttle buses will run from Sunderland's Park Lane Interchange, Heworth Metro Station in Gateshead and Durham Park and Ride to Herrington Country Park. They must be pre-booked here.
TYNE AND WEAR METRO
Services on the Metro are expected to be busier than usual, particularly on Sunday when Sunderland AFC play Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
Heworth and Park Lane are the recommended Metro stations with both having regular return shuttles to the event site.
From Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside or South Tyneside, festival-goers are advised to take the Metro to Heworth Interchange, before using shuttle buses to Herrington Park.
From the Sunderland area, Park Lane Interchange should be used to connect with shuttle buses.
There will be queuing systems in place at Heworth and Park Lane interchanges after the event.
Shuttle bus tickets are not valid on Metros.
Buses and Metros are also alcohol-free zones.
The last Metro trains from Park Lane after the event, leave at:
- 23:34 to South Hylton
- 23:55 to Fellgate.
The last Metro trains from Heworth leave at:
- 23:00 to the airport via Newcastle city centre
- 23:30 to Tynemouth via Newcastle city centre
- 23:33 to South Shields
- 00:15 to Benton via Newcastle city centre.
- 00:18 to South Gosforth via Newcastle city centre.
COACHES
Regional coach returns will be available from 23 locations across the North East combined authority area and Tees Valley Combined authority region and pre-booking is essential.
BUSES
Local buses will be subject to delays and diversions due to road closures, especially on the Sunday due to the football.
TRAINS (National Rail)
People travelling via rail on the East Coast Main Line are being warned to expect disruption over the bank holiday weekend due to engineering work between York and Northallerton from 23 to 25 May.
The closest National Rail station is Sunderland Central, a short walk from the Park Lane shuttle services. Other stations available are Heworth, Newcastle and Durham.
The council advises travellers to check for timetable changes.
Travelling by car
There will be is no parking at Herrington Country Park except for pre-booked accessible parking - blue badges will not be valid on the day.
There will also be a permitted, resident protection zone for those living near the site.
All event car parks, which can be booked here, will be within 45 minutes walking distance or connected to a shuttle hub which motorbikes can use.
MEET AND GREET/PICK UP AND DROP OFF
If you plan to use the pick up and drop off facility, you must pre-register for a designated time slot in advance here.
Pick up and drop off for friends and family will operate inside Herrington Country Park only.
ACCESSIBLE PICK UP AND DROP OFF
If you have confirmed you will be dropped off at the event in your accessibility application, you will be sent a drop off pass the week before to print at home and bring with you.
TAXI
Pick up and drop off by app-based taxi services or Hackney Carriages won't be available from Herrington Country Park. Instead, transport hubs at Heworth and Park Lane Metro Stations and Durham Belmont Park and ride, and shuttle service to the park should be used.
Cycling or walking
BICYCLE
Bicycle parking will be available on site for cyclists planning to cycle directly to the venue. They cannot be taken on the shuttle services.
WALKING
A map with designated Big Weekend walking routes to Herrington Country Park can be found here.
Road closures
Temporary road closures will be in place around the event site from 08:00 BST on 22 May to 01:00 each day. All roads will be fully reopened by 01:00 on 25 May.
- A183 (Chester Road) will be closed to all traffic from the A19 junction to the roundabout with Chislehurst Road
- The northbound slip road at the A19/A183 junction and Foxcover Road will also be closed to all traffic except emergency service vehicles
- No stopping or parking will also be in operation along the A183 and B1286
- There will be restrictions, including all lay-by closures on the A19 - both northbound and southbound - between the A690 and A1231
Festival‑goers are also being advised to download the Radio 1 Big Weekend app, which includes set times, maps, live updates and everything needed to make the most of the weekend.
