Metallica on stage at the first Sonisphere Festival to be held in Knebworth

MOTORISTS using the A1(M) can expect potential delays and slip road closures ahead of this weekend’s Sonisphere Festival.

The A1(M)

Around 60,000 rock fans will be descending on Knebworth House for the three-day festival.

Because of this, there will be a partial closure of junction 7 from 6am tomorrow (Thursday).

Until noon on Monday, both the northbound exit and southbound entry slips will be shut to ensure the safety of pedestrians walking to the site.

Festival-goers travelling from the south will be directed to the site from junction 7.

Those travelling from the north will leave the motorway at junction 8 and take the A602 towards Hitchin.

They’ll then be directed down the B656 Codicote Road to access the site via Knebworth House’s rear entrance.

For those travelling by train, shuttle buses will run to and from Stevenage railway station.

Superintendent Simon Hawkins, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s events planning team, said: “We are in for a very busy weekend as not only will thousands of people be heading for Knebworth Park for Sonisphere, but thousands will also be heading to Hitchin for Rhythms of the World.

“We appreciate this will have some impact on the local community and may cause delays and I would ask residents to please bear with us throughout the weekend and where possible take alternative routes.

“We have been working with the event organisers and the highway authorities for months to make improvements on the road plans from last year and traffic will be monitored during the course of the weekend.”

Supt Hawkins added: “Junction 7 is being closed to ensure the safety of those walking to the site.

“This year the closure comes into place on the Thursday and we hope this will save any confusion for people who regularly use the road.”