Thames Valley Police have successfully seized a huge bag of illegal drugs from revellers heading to Reading Festival.

An officer was spotted today with a bag of seized items close to the site at Little John's Farm on Richfield Avenue, where an estimated 100,000 festivalgoers will be descending over the five days for the August Bank Holiday weekend event.

While on the River Thames, the police boat was out in force as officers patrolled the waterways to keep an eye on things as the festival opened its gates to the first tranche of campers. 

Blink 182, Liam Gallagher and Lana Del Ray are among the names taking to the stage this weekend. 

Drivers are being warned to expect the busiest August bank holiday weekend on the roads since at least 2015.

The RAC estimated that 19.2 million leisure trips by car will be made between Friday and Monday.

The figure, based on a survey of 2,128 UK adults, is the highest since the motoring services company began recording data for the summer bank holiday in 2015.

The poll indicated that 84% of people who plan to travel by car for leisure this weekend will make a day trip.

One in 10 (10%) said they will set off for a holiday, while 6% will return from a holiday.

Saturday is expected to be the busiest day on the roads for leisure journeys, with 3.7 million planned.

This is ahead of Friday (3.2 million), Sunday (3.1 million) and Monday (3.0 million).

A further 6.2 million leisure trips are planned at some point over the four days.

Transport analytics company Inrix warned that the worst times for congestion are likely to be between 10am and 6pm on Friday, and between 10am and 1pm on Saturday.

Delays are expected on roads serving coastal resorts and on routes for Reading and Leeds music festivals.

RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With the end of the school holidays fast approaching, it seems day trips will be the main cause of traffic this weekend.

“It is likely to be the busiest August bank holiday on the roads for nine years, so it’s important everyone ensures their vehicle is in good condition to avoid facing an unwanted breakdown.

“Whether you’re off to a festival, the coast or a theme park, or meeting up with friends and family elsewhere, the usual trusted advice applies: leave as early as you can to avoid the jams or be prepared to sit in some lengthy queues.”