Travel Advice for First Light Festival — 20 & 21 June 2026
Important: A12 Closure at Yoxford
The A12 is closed at Yoxford on both festival days. Yoxford sits between Saxmundham (to the south) and Blythburgh (to the north). As the main A12 route to Lowestoft passes through Yoxford, this closure directly affects motorists travelling northbound from Ipswich, Colchester, and London.
Plan your route in advance and allow extra journey time. The diversion adds approximately 20–30 minutes to journeys from the south.
If You Are Travelling from the South (London, Colchester, Ipswich)
Do not continue on the A12 through Yoxford — follow one of these alternatives:
Recommended route via Halesworth
Travel north on the A12 to Saxmundham
At Saxmundham, turn left (west) onto the A1120 towards Peasenhall
Continue to Halesworth via the B1117
From Halesworth, take the A144 north to Beccles
From Beccles, take the A146 east into Lowestoft
Park your car at Kirkley & Pakefield Football Club Park & Walk – spaces can be booked here in advance.
Alternative route avoiding the A12 altogether
Leave the A14 at Bury St Edmunds and take the A143 east through Halesworth
From Halesworth, take the A144 north to Beccles, then the A146 east to Lowestoft
This option is especially useful for those travelling from the Midlands, Cambridge, or west of Ipswich
If You Are Travelling from the North (Norwich, Great Yarmouth):
The Yoxford closure does not affect you — you are approaching Lowestoft from the north.
From Norwich: Take the A146 south-east directly to Lowestoft.
From Great Yarmouth: Take the A47 south to Lowestoft.
If You Are Travelling from the West (Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket):
Take the A14 to Bury St Edmunds, then the A143 east through Halesworth
From Halesworth, take the A144 north to Beccles, then the A146 east to Lowestoft
This route avoids the A12 and the Yoxford closure entirely.
Pre-booking parking at our Festival Park & Walk is strongly advised. Click here to pre-book your parking in advance.