Download announces 10,000 capacity festival for next month

A three-day, 10,000 capacity Download Festival has been confirmed to take place this June.

Dubbed Download Pilot, the weekender will return to the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, forming part of the second phase of the UK government’s scientific Events Research Programme.

And yes, moshing is allowed.

The festival will take place on June 18-20 with tickets going on sale June 1, with priority being given to those with existing Download tickets, before remaining tickets going on general sale on June 3. The full line-up will be announced this Friday, May 28.

“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," says Festival Republic's head honcho Melvin Benn.

"This massive next step will help us understand and study the safe return of large-scale festivals with no social-distancing or facemasks 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.”

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As a Government scientific Events Research Programme event, Downloaders will need to consent to take part be over 16. Day tickets will not be available and all festival-goers are expected to camp onsite for the duration.

According to press statement from Download: "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."

Tickets are priced at £120 and go on sale June 1 to those already with a Download 2022 ticket.

Find out more about Download Pilot.

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