Download Music Festival

The Download music festival is one that rock, literally.  Known for bringing some of the biggest names in rock to the UK, it is one not to be missed especially if you are fans of bands such as Rage Against the Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Megadeath, and AC/DC.  The Download Festival got its start as a follow up to the Monsters of Rock festivals.  Download runs over a three day weekend and is typically held the second weekend in June at Donington Park in Leicestershire.

Day tickets are for sale for £75 pounds and if you wish to camp there is an additional charge of £10 for three nights or £15 for five nights.  Be sure to bring with you your tent and bedroll along with sunscreen, sunglasses, rainwear and a fleece for chilly evenings. 

Also, be sure to bring with you cash and a debit card.  There are ATMs located throughout the facility if you need more money.  Don’t bring any weapons, glass containers, pets, disposable stoves or gas cylinders.  Toilets, showers and water are also available for all campers. 

Food stalls are located throughout the grounds as well and are loaded with a variety of grub from around the world.  You can find anything from fish ‘n chips to tofu-burgers along with beer and soft drinks.  In case you get thirsty after the main acts have finished, the bars will remain open in the entertainment zone.  In case you forget something or would like anything different to eat, there are markets on site selling everything from jewelry to organic foods along with plenty of other items.       

Getting to the Download Festival is easy whether by air or by car.  East Midlands International Airport is only about two and a half miles from the festival site and is easily accessible by both domestic and European airlines.  If coming by car, the major routes of M1/M2 and A50 are only three miles away.  If trains are more your speed, the railway stations of East Midlands Parkway, Derby, Nottingham and Loughborough are all within 20 minutes.  There are numerous taxis and other methods of public transportation by to get you from rail stations to Download.

If you want to take a quick break from the music scene, there is still plenty to do at Download.  Be sure to stop by the EA Hub for the latest in gaming.  With numerous stations to play, cool prizes are available.  You can even catch some comedy at a festival known for rock.  Check the schedule to see where and when the comedians will be taking the stage.  Or get painted up at the Beat the Intro Tent and have a go on the bungee run.  And have you ever seen thousands of people apparently dancing to silence?  Join the fun at the silent disco where each participant gets a pair of headphones.  Choose between two musical channels and dance the night away.  And if you want to take the stage yourself, you can at Rockaoke.  Just pick the song and rock out showing the professionals how it’s done.