MUSIC fans attending Europe’s largest free ticketed event – BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend – will be paying more than they thought.

Punters hoping to be dropped off at the Powderham gig will be in for a shock because organisers have banned cars from stopping anywhere near the castle venue.

It means they will have to dip into their pockets and pull out £27 to park in the Earl’s grounds or find £11 for a park and ride service – which will be operating from Dawlish Leisure Centre, Exeter Racecourse and Matford Park and Ride Car Park.

Critics this week have condemned the hidden costs.

County and district Lib-Dem councillor Gordon Hook complained: ‘This is sure to cause many going to this “free” concert significant inconvenience and extra unplanned expense.

‘I must confess to being surprised that the parking arrangements which have previously been in place for concerts I have attended at Powderham are not being made available on this occasion.’

But leader of Teignbridge Council Jeremy Christophers defended the arrangements.

‘We are working together to make it as stress-free as possible for those attending the event, local residents and businesses,’ he said.

‘We have listened carefully to the views of residents and parish councils and put a package together that keeps traffic moving and disruption to a minimum,’ he added.

To try to deal with the expected congestion Stagecoach will be running more number 2 buses over the two-day concert and more trains will be laid on.

The travel plans have been arranged by the BBC, Powderham Castle, Exeter City Council and Teignbridge, with support from Devon County Council and in liaison with Devon and Cornwall Police – who will have extra officers and wardens in the area to deter illegal parking.

Cllr Christophers insisted: ‘In order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, it is strongly advised that people going plan their journey to and from the Big Weekend well in advance.’

The highly anticipated event, which takes place on May 28 and 29, will see more than 50 of the biggest and freshest acts including Coldplay and Mumford and Sons entertain more than 50,000 visitors

Visit http://bit.ly/1TvwXwO for more information about travel arrangements.