Rail firm warns metal fans against wheelie bins full of beer at Download

Rail bosses have urged people heading to this year's Download Festival to travel light following reports that metal fans tried to board last year with wheelie bins packed full of beer.

Thousands of rock music lovers are expected to descend on Donington Park in Castle Donington for the event, which starts on 10 June.

East Midlands Railway said engineering work at various points on the Midland Main Line means there will be a reduced timetable and replacement bus services while the festival is on.

The company advised festival-goers travelling by train to only pack what they can comfortably carry and said luggage trolleys will not be permitted on services.

Customer experience director Philippa Cresswell said: "Last year, some festival-goers tried to board services with wheelie bins or festival trolleys full of beer. While it might seem like a great idea for getting your supplies to the festival, it just isn't safe or possible to bring them on board train services. Our teams will be on hand at stations to support customers and help them complete their journeys, without their bins or trolleys, as smoothly as possible."

The rail firm also said boot-cleaning brushes would be available for people heading home from the event with muddy footwear.

People using East Midlands Airport have also been advised to factor in extra time if their travels coincide with the festival, which this year is being headlined by Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Guns N' Roses.