MUSIC festival organisers have responded to criticism over long queues by agreeing to open the site a day earlier.

Truck Festival, which takes place at Steventon, near Didcot, is among Oxfordshire’s most popular live music events. However, ticket holders complained last year of queues stretching for more than two and a half miles, with staff struggling to cope as music-lovers descended on the Hill Farm site before entertainment began on the Friday morning.

Managers hope to make this year’s festival more enjoyable by allowing campers to set up and enjoy live music and DJs from 3pm on Thursday, July 19, with the purchase of a £25 early entry ticket, on sale this Tuesday.

Bands and DJs have yet to be announced, though many names are expected to be revealed next month.

Matt Harrap, the Event Manager said feedback was being addressed from last year’s festival, insisting there had been a huge appetite from guests for an additional day.

He said: “Adding a Thursday date to Truck is something we’ve wanted to do for a while. Following audience feedback after last year’s festival, where there was overwhelming demand for an extra day, it felt like the perfect time. The Thursday add-on gives Truckers the opportunity to nab their spot in the campsite early, while catching some great music to really kick off the weekend in style.

“It will also reduce the number of people arriving on Friday morning for the weekend which will lessen entry time for everyone and benefit the wider road network.”

Weekend tickets costing £97.50 go on sale on Tuesday. Go to truckfestival.com.