Grab your tents and get the beers in, because DOWNLOAD PILOT is here!
Download announce a reduced-capacity festival at Donington Park – with moshing allowed
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 weekendonly: 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.
“We’re incredibly excited to safely welcome back fans to Donington Park
MATT TUCK, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and honoured to play a vital part in the return of live music to the UK”, said Download festival booker Andy Copping. “Putting together a line-up of 40 outstanding bands including Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine is something the Download brand is uniquely able to do and made possible by a thriving UK rock scene and deep pool of in-demand talent.
“With moshing back on the cards, this is going to be a true celebration of festival spirit and something special to be a part of.”
Download Pilot is the first camping event of its kind, forming part of the second phase of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme. It follows the trial event at Liverpool’s Sefton Park on May 2, where indie band Blossoms played to 5,000 people.
“Following the huge success of our Sefton Park event, we are delighted to contribute to Phase II of the Government’s Events Research Programme with the creation of the first three-day camping festival, which will be the Download Pilot at Donington Park,” said Festival Republic Director Melvin Benn.
“This massive next step will help us understand and study the safe return of large-scale festivals with no social distancing or face masks over a full weekend… the return of the full festival experience we have all been waiting for and a much-needed return to work for musicians, backstage crew, caterers and many more that form part of the UK’S exemplary live music industry.”
“THE WORLD HAS BEEN QUIET FOR TOO LONG!”
A statement about Download Pilot details the following conditions for entry: “Whilst festival goers will not be socially distanced or required to wear face coverings once inside the festival, they will be required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to and from Donington Park and adhere to rules set out by the festival organisers.
“Attendees must have proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the festival. As part of the wider scientific research on the trial events, the Download Pilot attendees will also be asked to take a PCR test before and after the event to gather further evidence on the safety of the festival camping experience, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings.
“They will also have to provide contact details for NHS Test and Trace to ensure everyone can be traced in the event of an audience member receiving a positive test after the event.”
And the bands playing were just excited as we were by the news:
“After 18 months trapped inside, we cannot wait to be back in our favourite element; playing music beneath an open sky,” said Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari. “It’s also fitting, as we have a long history with Download… 2021 being the 15th anniversary of our first time there – which also happened to be our first ever festival show! We’re incredibly proud to be headlining an event that helps to get live music back on its feet in the UK.”
“There is nothing that beats the experience of a live rock’n’roll show especially after all the lockdowns”, said Benji Webbe of Skindred. “It’s something that cannot be downloaded and does not work either as a live stream. So to be involved in this much needed and very special pilot event is an honour. We cannot wait to celebrate and bring the party to Donington Park, Skindred-style, again this June.”
“We’re beyond honoured to be part of this historic music event to kick start the live music industry and bringing back live music to people’s lives,” said Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine. “The world has been quiet for too long, time to bring the noise!”
The news of Download Pilot came just as this issue of Metal Hammer was heading to the printers, and by the time you read this, the event will have taken place. But fear not – you can read our full report on Download Pilot in the next issue of Metal Hammer , as well as our coverage of the event online at www.loudersound.com.
SEE WWW.LOUDERSOUND.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOWNLOAD PILOT