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Thursday 23 Aug 2018

Network Rail prepares for an influx of music lovers ahead of the annual Leeds Festival this bank holiday weekend

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Thousands of excited revellers will pass through Leeds station during the course of the five-day event before catching coaches or taxis to Bramham Park where the festival is held.

Network Rail is urging festival-goers who will be using the station during the course of the weekend to stay safe around the tracks, platforms and concourse – both on the way to the festival and on the way home.

Vinny Burke, station manager for Network Rail, said: “We’ll see thousands of extra people passing through the station this weekend at all times of day, and it’s important that they start and finish their weekend safely.

“Trains, platforms and walkways will be busier than usual and it’s really important that both regular stations users and those going to Leeds festival can all pass through the station safely. Please be patient when travelling over the next few days and try not to block walkways and the areas around the ticket barriers.

“While people will arrive with full rucksacks and clean equipment, the return journey is likely to see muddy boots and unwanted tents brought though the station. We will have extra customer support services in action throughout the weekend to make sure that the station is pleasant for all who visit.”

Passengers with luggage such as tents and rucksacks which they don’t want to travel home with are urged not to leave their items unattended in the concourse or on platforms because of the potential safety and security risks. Passengers are instead asked to give their unwanted equipment to a member of station staff who will be happy to discard it safely.

Station users are reminded that trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence which can result in a fine of up to £1,000.