You’ve all heard the stereotypical moans and groans about rock festivals, about the warnings and the insane whisperings, so in June last year I went to finally understand: I attended Download 2010. The festival’s name itself sums it up completely and simplistically, it is a word used in common reference all the time, to download; to store a computer file, to gather new information.
This festival is all about pushing the boundaries of music or pushing the envelope, so to speak. The atmosphere of thousands of people gathered together to absorb and appreciate a unison and knowledge of music is astonishing. Most people go to festivals to get drunk, have a good time and see the bands that they love to hear on the radio. Download is different; it’s a learning curve, exposition to new music, meeting people who are passionate about the words coming out of their mouths (Deftones), and bands that sing to make a difference.
A particular band I would mention is Rage Against the Machine, a band that in Christmas 2009 made a stance and beat the X Factor winner to the Christmas number 1 spot in the charts purely by Internet downloads. They sing about politics, pain and about understanding. These particular subjects may seem intense but they are out there to make a difference and in supporting them you are showing your cause to humanity and your willingness to get involved in the world that you live in.
A humbling scene to this festival is that people really care about the artists that they wait to see, and this creates more of a family atmosphere rather than a field of groupies. There were many deaths in the rock world last year and many ‘legends’ left our presence. Yes people do get excited, and yes people do rock out but I saw no trouble at all, so the myth about Download being a centre for violence and drugs is wrong and will remain a myth. I only saw people present to absorb and admire the musical talents on show.
There is a massive wave of expectation and involvement attached to this event, so go to this festival well rested! Be prepared to live by the seat of your pants and pack the bare minimum as the walk from transport to the camp sites is exceptionally long. The best way to travel is by car as you can get directly to the entrance of the campsites. There is an additional fee for the car parking ticket but it is definitely worth it, plus you can retreat there if the weather gets too bad to sleep in the tent! Lockers for valuables can be hired and this maybe something of interest to you if you plan on doing any ‘moshing’ as the ‘wall of death’ or ‘mosh pits’ can become extreme at times. They only tend to be at the very front near the stage so if you don’t want to get involved stand a little back and you can still see the artists.
The massive TV screens are dotted around the arena’s field so you know what’s going on. There are 7 different stages: main stage, 2nd stage and five smaller stages in tents, such as an acoustic stage newcomer’s stage, all well worth a look. I definitely suggest checking out the times when certain bands are on each day as you don’t want to miss the guys you went there to especially see.
The weather at Donnington Park where Download is set every year changes rapidly: you could experience burning heat one moment to torrential rain the next, so grab the essentials: a poncho, sunglass and sun cream (and loo roll, on another note). Alcohol isn’t allowed to be taken into the arena area and your bags will be checked but the prices for food and drink were acceptable. If you totalled up how much it would cost you to see each and every one of the bands at the festival separately it immediately makes the cost of the weekend appear a bargain. Go to Download not only for value of money but the experiences of a lifetime too.
Katie Woodward
Photos by: Katie Woodward
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