Download Festival was plagued by complaints after a weekend that saw the ground turn to slush because of incessant rain, numerous bands drop out of the bill at short notice, technical issues cut some performances short, layout changes that infuriated attendees and dangerous crushes as huge stars played in small tents.
Before the festival even started it was plagued by dropouts as several bands pulled out due to the event’s connections with Barclaycard. Then on Saturday (June 15) Electric Callboy posted on Instagram that singer Nico Sallach was too ill to perform their set on Sunday.
Express.co.uk attended the festival and saw there were issues from the off as the transport hub for pick up and drop off point for attendees was moved, adding significant time to people’s entry to the event. From a 20-minute walk last year, the new layout meant it took around an hour to walk to the entrance from shuttle buses before joining huge queues for the security search. Unfortunately, some fans missed bands they had planned to see.
Taking to X on Friday 14, the opening day of the arena, @gsep1985 posted a picture of the huge queues for security, which ran to 45 minutes in some cases by Saturday, and wrote: “@DownloadFest missed first band due to ridiculous long walk from transport hub and now this nonsense #download #downloadfestival.”
Fans also took umbrage at the location of early aughts boyband Busted who were placed in a tent rather than on one of the main stages on Friday night.
Many people complained about being injured and having panic attacks due to the huge crowd that tried to access the set. @Kirstie_OT wrote on X: “@DownloadFest what were you thinking sticking Busted in a tent? Was RAMMED 2 hours before they started. Not managed, people being squashed into the side of poles/railings. Couldn’t even leave safely due to the lines for the toilets on one side #DownloadFestival #SafeFestivals.”
Over on the stages, technical issues meant several bands such as Baby Metal and Bleed From Within had their sets cut short, much to fans’ disappointment. Babymetal took to social media to apologise to their fans and said they were told to evacuate the stage due to the weather.
Meanwhile, despite coming on stage 20 minutes late, Bleed From Within were still able to play a special performance of Metallica’s Enter Sandman with Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan for their Sky show Rob and Romesh VS.
The delays caused some fans to miss their favourite bands. @jefajess lamented on X: “#Downloadfestival had some high highs and some low lows. But the final kick was the weather delaying the act that meant the world to me and was meant to be my weekend closer (@WeAreTheUsed) ended up going on too late for us to safely get home. I wish I’d been there. I love them.”
The weather management in general proved the biggest bugbear for fans. Massive rainfall meant that the ground quickly turned to slush. This caused huge issues as it became extremely dangerous and Express.co.uk witnessed several people falling in the mud. Some even packed up and left the festival early due to the conditions.
On Sunday the organiser posted on the festival’s X account: “Morning Downloaders! Gates to the Arena are expected to open at noon today. Please bear with us whilst we improve the arena conditions for you. We appreciate your patience.”
Despite their efforts, the ground was a health hazard with ankle-deep mud and treacherous conditions in the main stage area. Drivers with arena or day tickets found their cars stuck in the mud and the management of the car parks, given the conditions, drew many complaints.
@Kirstie_OT wrote on X: “@DownloadFestsouth/day car park. No staff managing it. No patrolling. Cars stuck in mud. One accident already seen. People with hazards on asking for help but no help. No email or whats app response. Now what?? #DownloadFestival.”
She later added: “People lining up for exit and being turned around when reaching top. Marshall said turn round & back into car park or ‘take it at your own risk’ due to mud #DownloadFestival.”
@JanuszJasinski said it had been an ongoing issue, writing on the same platform: “Little to no staff at all helping people out yesterday either. The staff that are there have close to no knowledge or contradict other staff. This is the worst DLF I’ve ever been to by some distance.”
On Sunday (June 16) the festival issued a warning about the conditions on X writing: “Driving to Download today? The weather has affected conditions in the South Car Park. Your arrival and departure today may be slower, so please prepare with drinks, snacks and any medication you may need. Traffic is currently moving steadily. If you need assistance, please turn on your hazard lights.”
Despite the “flaws” one punter did seem to enjoy it. @WhiplashMatt87 wrote on X: “Another Download in the books. Despite the absolute flaws in organisation the first two days, music wise it was great. Pantera and Machine Head absolutely bands of the festival. Incredible sets #download #downloadfestival.”