Festival chaos: In Pictures

Blaise Franklin (left) and Nathan Mursall wallow in the mud at the campsite at the Isle of Wight Festival. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Hundreds of people heading to the Isle of Wight Festival were held on boats in the Solent because of traffic gridlock on the island, forcing ferry companies to suspend services.

Mud, caused by heavy rain, led to most of the problems.

Earlier about 600 people had been forced to sleep in their cars overnight following the traffic problems.

ITV reporter Tom Barton reports:

The problems started after heavy rain fell yesterday, water-logging the event car parks at Seaclose Park, Newport, meaning that they became churned up with mud as cars began to arrive.

This led to the car parks becoming inaccessible and long queues forming, stretching back to the port towns of Ryde and Cowes.

Police led many of those waiting to Newport Football Club where they were given shelter overnight.

Now organisers are urging anyone still waiting to get to the island to leave their cars.

Festivalgoers trudge through the mud in Newport. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images

While some ferry services have now returned to normal, Hampshire Police said in a statement that they still expect "significant delays" for Isle of Wight Festival revellers today.

Festivalgoers, commuters and holidaymakers cue in Southampton. Credit: Chris Ison/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Heavy rain has water-logged the event's site in Newport. Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Music fans cue for the bus to get to the Isle of Wight Festival this morning. Credit: Robert Holdcroft
ITV viewers Steve and Holly sent in this photograph from the Isle of Wight Festival. Credit: ITV viewer

Visit ITV Meridian for further coverage on the Isle of Wight Festival travel disruption.