6th November 2023
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Download Music Festival XXIII? Completed it mate.
For my first music festival, I have to say – Download did not disappoint.
For the past 23 years, Download Festival in Donington Park has been home to some of the biggest names in rock, metal, and everything under that umbrella, welcoming all types of people too. I opted to camp for 3 days with my boyfriend in the Green Campsite, one of over 10 campsites available at the festival.
The festival itself is home to the biggest festival stage in the UK, the Apex stage which this year was home to its headliners Limp Bizkit (my favourite!), Guns ‘N’ Roses and Linkin Park. One aspect I really enjoyed were the 4 stages of music across the Arena area, showcasing up-and-coming artists as well as already established names in the genre.
I think what was so great about Download itself too was its welcoming atmosphere. Not once did I see someone who wasn’t afraid to go all out, truly be themselves in a place where everyone is fully accepted, evident in the fashion I saw as well as the atmosphere there. From punk rockers, to metalheads, emos, goths, even people in Elmo costumes, you can tell Download is truly where metal and rock culture comes alive and is celebrated openly without judgement by people of all ages. Not kidding, I literally saw multiple newborns in the Arena area, and plenty of elderly rockers living their best lives in the Apex stage pit.
The highlight of the weekend was not only catching bands I already love – bands like South Arcade (who I saw open for 5 Seconds of Summer on their current world tour and have loved since), Limp Bizkit and Zero 9:36 – but it also gave me the opportunity to discover new bands. Black Veil Brides have quickly become one of my new favourites, along with Hollywood Undead, LANDMVRKS, Bad Omens and Bloodywood. (The great view from the ferris wheel wasn’t too bad either!)
Although I did hear complaints about this year’s layout, I have to say I myself didn’t have a huge problem with it, but it was initially difficult to find a place to pitch our tent as space was seemingly tight, but signage throughout the festival was clear and staff were quick to help if and when needed, and always kept spirits high and crowds controlled – not once did I feel unsafe, which was very important to me as a first-time festival goer.
After Guns ‘N’ Roses, me and my boyfriend went on the rides in District X, and this is where Download for me came alive after the music in the Arena had wrapped up for the day. A ghost train, waltzers, bumper cars, circus fun house made up of five floors, some kind of ride that violently threw you in the air (which I DID NOT go on) were all there, as well as DJ sets in the District X area, were an absolutely fantastic way to wrap up the day before heading back to camp. Even back at camp, people were playing music and singing and dancing, and all over Donington Park there was just a fantastic atmosphere at all hours of the day.
There were also midnight secret sets from the likes of Skindred too, a fun little aspect I really enjoyed.
I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that even though I am utterly exhausted after walking around twenty thousand steps a day, every part of my body hurts and I am slightly (very) sunburnt, I cannot wait to do it all again next year!
See you then, Download. Rock on.
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