It’s Bestival time again. Come next Thursday, Bestival-goers will be making their way to the Isle of Wight.
The organisers say that over 50,000 people are expected to arrive, so plans have been put in place in an attempt to minimise the impact on the Island and Islanders over the long weekend.
With the venue being Robin Hill, the impact of the event can be less considerable than Isle of Wight Festival, with its central, Newport location.
Below are the details of the major changes, and the quick-guide map is at the bottom of the page – click on it to see a large scale version
Council’s dedicated helpline
If you’ve got any queries or complaints connected to Bestival, the council has set-up a dedicated 24-hour telephone line for use during the event – (01983) 823426.
Rowlands Lane – One way
Rowlands Lane, Havenstreet will become a one-way system from Thursday morning, with vehicles only be able to travel in a southbound direction from the Havenstreet Main Road junction to the Downs Road.
On Sunday (13th), this reverses with flow being from the Downs Road to the Havenstreet Main Road junction. It’s due to return to two-way flow from approximately 6pm on Monday (14th).
30mph speed limit
A 30mph speed limit will also be in force on roads leading to and outside the site for safety reasons. These were put in place after the tragic death in 2010 of someone who was walking on roads near by.
Beatrice Avenue restriction on Monday
To help with Bestival traffic leaving the Island by the Red Funnel car ferry in East Cowes, Beatrice Avenue will be a ‘no waiting at any time’ zone and will also become a one-way system from approximately 5am until midnight on Monday 14 September, to help reduce congestion.
Illegally park cars on Clearways to be towed
Motorists are also being advised that to assist in the free flow of traffic along key routes, vehicles illegally parked on roads designated and signed as ‘clearways’ will be towed away.
Some footpath restrictions
Public footpaths and bridleways close to the Bestival site will have restrictions during the event.
