Download Pilot
Donington Park, Castle Donington
The return of festivals, and a homecoming celebration for 10,000 lucky fans.
Words: Eleanor Goodman & Rich Hobson
‘A triumph of
a weekend… It feels
like coming home.’
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Photos: Kevin Nixon
Bullet For My Valentine
Skindred
Massive Wagons
A
Saint Agnes
Twin Atlantic
★ On May 26, just when we thought festivals would be cancelled for the second year in a row, Download announced a reduced-capacity pilot edition, as part of the government’s Events Research Programme. After providing proof of a negative lateral flow test and sending off a PCR test, its 10,000 lucky ticket holders would be free to embark on a three-day bacchanalian extravaganza of maskless camping, drinking and moshing, to gauge whether large gatherings could be held safely in a post-Covid-19 world.