Download Festival: How many fans can attend the pilot event and what are the rules?

THOUSANDS of rock music fans are attending a three-day festival as part of a government test event.

But what is Download Festival and what are the rules? Here is all you need to know.

What is Download Festival? 

Download Festival usually attracts more than 100,000 rock and metal fans, but organisers had to postpone the main event in 2020 and this year because of lockdown restrictions.

However, the pilot event was announced in May and will play an important role in paving the way for the return of large-scale music events as the UK emerges from restrictions.

The Download Pilot will be headlined by Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine, with more than 40 UK-based bands on the bill.

Other bands on the bill for the pilot event include Neck Deep, While She Sleeps and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.

And Benji Webbe, of Welsh ragga-metal band Skindred – a Download Festival favourite – said: “There is nothing that beats the experience of a live rock ‘n’ roll show, especially after all the lockdowns.

“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.”

How many fans can attend Download Festival? 

 It will be attended by 10,000 punters who will not be required to socially distance or wear masks.

festival booker Andy Copping said: “Moshing is back on the cards. This is going to be a true celebration of festival spirit and something special to be a part of.”

What rules are in place at Download Festival? 

As a Government scientific Events Research Programme, festival-goers at Donington Park, Leics, will have to take Covid tests before and after the event and will be expected to camp on site for the duration. 

They must also provide proof of a negative test before entering.

Download promises to make the event as close to a normal festival experience possible, with no social distancing, no masks, camping and the return of moshing.

However, customers will be required to follow existing government guidelines when travelling to and from the site and while at the event itself.

Festival-goers 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 result after the event.

When is Download Festival?

The festival is currently taking place – June 18-20.