DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 

IMPROVES DISABLED ACCESS AND GOES GREENER

17 April 2018

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE (BSL) TO APPEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME 
AWARDED FOUR OUT OF FIVE STAR CREATIVE GREEN CERTIFICATION
DOWNLOAD’S FIRST EVER ECO CAMPSITE HOSTED BY GREENPEACE

WELCOMING NEW BOOKERS SEAN RYMAN AND KAMRAN HAQ 
TO THE DOWNLOAD FAMILY

Download Festival,the world’s premier rock event has announced major improvement plans for this year’s festival, pushing to make it the most accessible and greenest Download ever. Viewing platforms across all stages and British Sign Language interpreters lead the way for accessibility improvements to better meet the needs of Download fans, and after receiving a 4-star Creative Green Certification from Julie’s Bicycle, Download continues to raise the bar with its commitment to environmental protection with the introduction of its first ever Eco Campsite. DownloadFestival takes place on 8 - 10 June 2018at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park,Leicestershire. Tickets are on sale now at  downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.
 
Festival Republic’s Melvin Bennsays: 
“Download Festival is built upon an ethos of inclusivity and it’s incredibly important to us that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the festival to the fullest. The appointment of accessibility ambassadors has provided us with invaluable feedback so that we’re able to implement practical improvements to site the that we hope will dramatically improve the experience for all. Being awarded a 4 out of 5 star Creative Green Certification is a huge milestone for Download Festival, and in this current climate I can’t help but feel proud of what we are doing to protect the environment including the introduction of Greenpeace’s Eco Campsite.”
 
Access viewing platforms will now be available at all stages across the festival as well as in The DogHouse, Download’s resident party stop located in the Village, meaning great accessible vantage points for the fans’ favourite bands whether they’re on The Dogtooth Stage or Main Stage. Download Festival is incredibly proud to welcome British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for the first time on the Main and Zippo Encore Stage platforms, provided by Performance Interpreting, a unique company providing deaf performers to the music and entertainment industry. Castle Donington Volunteer Centrewill return to Download for the fifth year, to provide an almost 24-hour free shuttle service between the campsite and Village, along with Campsite and Public Transport Hub for Access customers. This year will see a 50% increase in the shuttle bus vehicles due to significant demand in 2017. 
 
Marie Pascall, Director of Performance Interpreting says:
“Performance Interpreting are proud to be providing the first ever BSL Access Team at this year’s Download Festival. We will be providing a team of 8 qualified interpreters over the 3-day event, including deaf and hearing coordinators to ensure Deaf rock fans have an unforgettable experience. Rock music can be extremely challenging to interpret, embodying the energy, power and raw emotion of these almighty rock legends is an ambitious achievement. Bring it on!”
 
Continued improvements are being implemented at the Access Campsite. Those camping in the accessible campsite will now be able to drive right up to their pitch to drop off their equipment, where a team of ready and willing helpers are on hand to unload customers’ cars. A wheelchair charging tent with 50 charging points will be available for the first time, and the possibility of adding extra, and there will even be a 50% increase in the number of toilets in the Access Campsite as well as the check-in facility doubling in size to help make the process as comfortable, smooth and efficient as possible.
 
Laura Mina, Festival Republic’s Senior Access Coordinatorcomments:
“We’re continuously improving accessibility for our customers, and we’re predicting a 31% increase in Access arrivals at Download Festival following changes we implemented last year, an increase from 1450 to over 2000. We work tirelessly to ensure we deliver the best possible experience for our Access customers and this year is no exception.”
 
 Download Festival is dedicated to improving its understanding, commitment and improvement towards environmental sustainability, and since 2016 Download has participated in the Creative Green Certification, which is an external assessment by Julie’s Bicycle, a charity who support the creative industries to act on climate change. Download achieved an incredible four out of five stars due to last year’s environmental ethics, and welcomes everyone to read full report is available to read online.  
 
Last year at Download there was a decrease in overall carbon footprint by 96 tonnes of CO2e compared to 2016, and for 2018 we have introduced carbon balancing by adding £1 to the cost of all parking passes which will be donated to the charity Energy Revolution, who invest in renewable energy projects. This is on top of current travel initiatives with Big Green Coach,Liftshare and shuttle buses to encourage the reduction of traffic coming to the site.
 
In 2017, overall waste decreased by 61% compared to the year previous. Download Festival introduced reusable cups last year where half a million single use cups were saved, and the Deposit Return System has seen an amazing 100,000 bottles collected and recycled since 2016. There has even been an increase of campsite recycling points, and food traders are not allowed to use single use plastic cutlery or food containers to ensure 2018 is the most environmentally friendly yet.
 
Following this, and new for 2018, Greenpeace are hosting a brand-new campsite called Eco Camp in a beautiful part of the Donington Estate, which is home to ancient oak trees and native wildlife, and can host up to 3000 fans who value spending time in the great outdoors just as much as listening to their favourite bands. Staying in the campsite is available at no extra cost for fans who have purchased a valid weekend camping ticket, but they must pre-register in advance and sign up to the set of eco-principles. During the festival Greenpeace will nurture a community of like-minded people to get inspiration about how to live in a positive way and only their experiences and memories will remain. 
 
Victoria Chapman, Sustainability Coordinator at Festival Republicsays:
“Download fans have been shown to be extremely environmental conscious and I am delighted that this has been reflected in the achievement of a 4 out of 5 star award, in only the second year of undertaking Creative Green Certification.”
 
Download Festival introduced the Dog Blog last year, to directly communicate with fans and gather feedback. This blog has been active on the website since the start of the year, allowing customers to email in questions or suggestions, and so far over 300 people have emailed with suggestions that have been taken into consideration for this year’s festival. The Dog Blog is still active and is available to read here.
 
Download are also proud to officially introduce brand new bookers Kamran Haq and Sean Ryman to the family. Both joined last year and work alongside Andy Copping, keeping ears firmly to the ground, handpicking the most exciting emerging talent around the world and bringing them to the stage. 
 
For further information, please visit our Website. 

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NEXT ACTS FOR 2018

28 November 2017

MARILYN MANSON * PARKWAY DRIVE * BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE * RISE AGAINST *  BABYMETAL *  ALEXISONFIRE * BLACK VEIL BRIDES *  ASKING ALEXANDRIA * NECK DEEP * MESHUGGAH *  IN THIS MOMENT * THE HIVES *  BODYCOUNT *  MAYDAY PARADE * DREAM STATE * WSTR * THE PINK SLIPS

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock event, has announced some of the biggest rock acts in the world including Marilyn Manson, Parkway Drive, Rise Against, Body Count and more. The three-day festival takes place 8-10 June 2018 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are on sale now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets

Download is proud to welcome back the Antichrist Superstar himself Marilyn Manson, fresh off the release of critically acclaimed new album Heaven Upside Down. The goth rock veteran is more energised than ever and set to bring his renowned live show to Donington next year.

Since 2003 Aussie rock titans Parkway Drive have gone from strength-to-strength, pushing boundaries with their epic live performances. Having ascended to the forefront of modern metal with their latest critically acclaimed album Ire, their ferocious crushing breakdowns and stadium-sized choruses have them high on people’s lists for future headliner contenders.

British modern metal institution Bullet for My Valentine have also been confirmed to perform at Download Festival next year. The Welsh powerhouse have conquered the heights of Wembley Arena along with fellow UK torchbearers Asking Alexandria who will be taking to the stage with a hero’s return of their original infamous vocalist Danny Worsnop.

Ben Bruce of Asking Alexandria said: “We have been waiting for half a decade to say this again, “DOWNLOAD WE ARE COMING FOR YA!”. Download festival is hands down one of the most exciting festivals in the world to play and so we have decided to bring our biggest show to date over with us. We cannot wait to see you all there. In the words of this year’s legendary headliner, Mama I’m coming home”

Pivotal punk rock heroes Rise Against will have fists thrown in the air, with their ferocious sociopolitical rock. Expect a high energy, kinetic performance from one of the world’s biggest authentic punk bands, who’ve proved their lasting worth to the genre. Joining the line up are LA Glam Rockers Black Veil Brides, Swedish extreme tech-metal trail blazers Meshuggah, and post hardcore legends Alexisonfire whose performance will be a long-awaited return to Download Festival.

Mind-blowing “metal phenomenon on a mission” BABYMETAL are confirmed to make their second official Download performance. This UK exclusive appearance will see the return of their thunderous metal, mixed with infectious J-pop that’s taken the world by storm. With figurehead Ice T at the helm, Body Count’s mix of harsh political messages and powerful hard-core sensibilities have made the rap metal icons unmissable, as well as In This Moment who are led by the entrancing Maria Brink and ready to bring a gothic, industrial, metal spectacle to make Download proud.

BABYMETAL said: “We are so happy to announce that we will be playing at Download UK!! We were last there in 2016 and it is an absolute honour to be returning to this prestigious festival next year. Can’t wait to go back and see everyone there!”

Revered purveyors of garage-punk noise The Hives are confirmed, with frontman Howlin' Pelle Almqvist guaranteed to leave no stone unturned with a set of frantic non-stop rock n’ roll. Making their Download Festival debut are pop punks scousers WSTR who have propelled themselves throughout the last year, as well as emo pop favourites Mayday Parade who are hot off the back of a successful ten-year anniversary tour.

Selling out Brixton Academy and making massive waves as the break out luminaries of UK poppunk, Wrexham five-piece Neck Deep are returning to Download Festival along with Seattle’s The Pink Slips with their fusion of “synth-pop, punk, dance and vintage rock ‘n’ roll”, fronted by the ferocious GRAVE, daughter of Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan. Last but no means least are rising stars Dream State with their no-nonsense, melodic emo rock which has earned them their debut Download appearance.

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Black Sabbath, The Prodigy, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD ANNOUNCED AS SECOND HEADLINER FOR DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2018

8 November 2017

CHART TOPPING HARD ROCK BAND AVENGED SEVENFOLD RETURN TO THE UK’S PREMIER ROCK EVENT TO HEADLINE ALONGSIDE OZZY OSBOURNE

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock event, has today announced the second of its three headliners as one of the world’s biggest rock bands Avenged Sevenfold. The three-day festival takes place 8 – 10 June 2018 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets available now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets

Avenged Sevenfold will return to Download Festival once more, to give a momentous Friday night headline performance that will be talked about for years to come. This announcement comes days after it was revealed that the Prince Of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne will also be headlining.

From the genre-defining metal-core album City Of Evil, the hard rock UK No.1 Hail To The King, through to the latest progressive-metal sounds of The Stage; Avenged Sevenfold have an epic history of modern metal classics, a stage show to make Rammstein jealous and a proven track record of smashing anything that comes their way.

Download Festival’s Promoter, Andy Copping said: “A real career highlight of mine was giving Avenged Sevenfold their first ever UK festival headline slot, and I’m thrilled to welcome them back. You don’t often see bands like Avenged Sevenfold top the charts, but much like seeing them live, they’re not to be underestimated.”

Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock to its main stage, plus some of the best and hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Black Sabbath, The Prodigy, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage.

OZZY OSBOURNE IS FIRST HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED FOR DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2018

6 November 2017

ROCK ICON RETURNS TO THE UK’S PREMIER ROCK AND METAL FESTIVAL TO PERFORM AS A SOLO ARTIST AND TOP THE BILL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

Download Festival, the world’s premier rock and metal event, has announced musical icon Ozzy Osbourne as the first of its three heavyweight headliners. The three-day festival takes place 8 – 10 June 2018 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets available now at downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets

No stranger to the hallowed grounds of Donington, The Prince Of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne will headline the Sunday night. Having previously graced the main stage in previous years fronting Black Sabbath, this will be his first ever Download headline solo appearance. The Download Festival set comes as part of Ozzy Osbourne’s final world tour announcement this morning.

Download Festival’s promoter, Andy Copping says: “We’re unbelievably excited to have Ozzy as one of the headliners next year. Already hailing from the midlands, Ozzy Osbourne is no stranger to Download, and after Black Sabbath closed the festival in 2016, how could I not ask The Prince of Darkness to come back all on his own? The Download family are without a shadow of a doubt, in for a treat.” Download Festival is the home of rock music and takes place on the sacred grounds of Donington Park, which have been associated with rock since the eighties. The festival attracts icons of rock and metal to its main stage, plus some of the hottest new acts in the world. AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Black Sabbath, The Prodigy, Rage Against The Machine, Slipknot, Linkin Park and many more have all headlined its main stage and in 2018, fans can see the Miracle Man, Ozzy Osbourne.