BACK IN MAY, things were looking bleak for festival season. It felt as though with every week that passed, yet another music festival was being cancelled or postponed. And then came the news that no one could believe: Download 2021 was go.
On May 26, it was announced that Download Pilot, a 10,000-capacity camping-only festival, would take place on June 18-20 at Donington Park. The event was announced as part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme. Festival goers would need to consent to take part, and be over 16. All tickets were weekend-only: no day tickets, and ticket holders would need to stay on-site for the duration of the festival. But the best news? Moshing would be allowed.
The 40 band, all UK-based line-up was revealed two days later, with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine headlining, and other acts including Frank Turner, Creeper, While She Sleeps, Skindred, Twin Atlantic, Yonaka, Employed to Serve, Neck Deep and more.