Rock and metal fans from around the world descended again on Donington Park – just a short drive from Nottingham – for the ultimate celebration of rock music. LeftLion's Natalie Owen was right there in the thick of it, soaking up the chaos, the riffs, and the raw energy of Download Festival – a true titan of the UK festival scene. Here's how it went down...
DAY ONE
I was buzzing with a mix of nerves and excitement as I set off for my very first music festival! As a massive Green Day fan, knowing they were headlining Friday’s bill only added to the anticipation.
I got to Donington bright and early… perhaps too early. Not all the gates were open yet, and I ended up on a little detour through the VIP camping area (thanks to my questionable navigation skills). Eventually, I made it onto the main site just as the sun broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the main stage — the calm before the storm of music, mosh pits, and roaring crowds.
With my wristband on, locker sorted, and photo pass in hand, I was off. LeftLion had given me the freedom to cover the weekend my way — and my goal was simple: catch as many bands as humanly possible in one day...
First up in the Dogtooth tent was The Haunt. After spending time ahead of the festival listening to all the bands, they were the ones that stood out the most to me. Hailing from Florida, The Haunt have toured with acts like Palaye Royale, and their excitement to be part of Download was clear from the moment they hit the stage.
Despite being one of the earlier sets of the day, the crowd was fired up and welcomed them with open arms. The band didn’t hold back – their energy was electric, setting the tone for what was already shaping up to be an unforgettable day.
A quick 10-minute dash later, I was at the Avalanche Stage just in time for Unpeople. I already knew their track The Garden from Kerrang! Radio, and hearing it live didn’t disappoint. The band opened with Waste, charging on stage with intensity. I loved how they huddled together like a pre-match team talk before erupting into their set — a proper "let’s do this" moment. They’re definitely ones to watch.
After exploring the Avalanche area and browsing the various stalls, I was pleasantly surprised to see how family-friendly the setup was. There were plenty of fun things for kids to check out — even a few stalls clearly geared toward younger festival-goers, perfect for spending a bit of pocket money. One thing that really stood out to me on day one was just how many children were there. It was genuinely heartwarming to see so many families enjoying the festival together, with kids soaking up the atmosphere and having just as much fun as the adults.
Back at the Avalanche Stage, it was time for Dead Pony. I’d heard plenty of buzz from fellow photographers about their dynamic live presence, and they absolutely lived up to it. Shooting their set was a blast.
Guitarist Liam Adams stood out in particular, rocking a custom Download Festival ice hockey-style jersey — a fun and memorable touch.
Next, I made my way back to the Dogtooth Stage for Riding the Low. Jared, founder of LeftLion, had recommended them due to their Nottingham ties — and I’m so glad he did. What I didn’t realise until just before their set was that the lead singer is none other than Paddy Considine, known for his role in Hot Fuzz. That already had me intrigued, but the band’s performance completely won me over: passionate, gritty, and full of swagger. Paddy even climbed up on the speakers to get closer to the crowd — a brilliant, high-energy moment.
I was lucky enough to be granted access to the Apex Stage to photograph and review Jimmy Eat World — and what an experience it was. The main stage is enormous, and I made the most of it, shooting from both the far end of the runway and right up near the front to get a range of shots.
While Jimmy Eat World’s set wasn’t as wild or physically explosive as some of the others that day, their performance was powerful in its own way — emotionally charged and vocally strong. You could tell how genuinely grateful they were to be playing at Download, and that humility really connected with the crowd.
They closed with the song The Middle, my all-time favourite song of theirs. As a teenager, that track meant a lot to me — and judging by the crowd’s reaction, I wasn’t alone.
With some downtime available, I headed to the guest area for a well-earned break. Shaded canopies and soft cushions provided the perfect escape from the heat, and I grabbed a cold drink and something to eat while recharging.
One thoughtful feature of the festival was the strong push for hydration — with water fountains all over and big screens reminding everyone to drink water and stay sun-safe. It's a simple thing, but it made a big difference.
Now, I’ll admit — I’ve always been a bit apprehensive about festival toilets. But honestly, the unisex facilities at Download were some of the cleanest I’ve seen at any pop-up event. Genuinely impressive, and definitely not something I expected to be saying!
Elliot Minor kicked off on the Avalanche Stage — a band that sound-tracked much of my teenage years, so seeing them live for the first time felt a little surreal. They opened with "Jessica," a fan favourite that had the crowd singing from the first note. Having last played Download back in 2007, their return was both nostalgic and triumphant.
After photographing the first three songs of Elliot Minor’s set, I made a dash over to the Apex Stage to catch Weezer — a band I was especially excited to see, as they were performing Perfect Situation, my little girl’s favourite song.
You could tell the band had been on tour for a while — Rivers Cuomo’s voice sounded a little worn — but that didn’t take away from the magic of the performance. They still delivered a fantastic set, full of charm, nostalgia, and crowd-pleasing moments. It was such a joy to finally see Weezer in full festival mode — a real highlight of the day for me.
Back on the Avalanche Stage, out of all the sets I’d seen that day, McFly came out with something to prove. It felt like they knew they had to match, if not top, the energy and hype of their longtime counterparts Busted — and they absolutely delivered. The crowd erupted into screams as the band took the stage, with the photo pit completely packed and the tent bursting at the seams.
Danny stormed out shouting, “Download, are you ready?!” before launching straight into the song Where Did All the Guitars Go?— and judging by the crowd's response, we were more than ready.
While Download has traditionally been known for its heavier metal and hard rock roots, having acts like McFly and Busted in recent years signals a shift toward a broader definition of rock — and the fans are clearly here for it. Despite being more pop-rock in sound, McFly were welcomed with open arms, proving they’ve more than earned their spot on the lineup.
A standout moment? Their unexpected but brilliant cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets — a bold move that went down incredibly well with the crowd and showed they know exactly how to play to the Download spirit.
Last, but by no means least, came the moment everyone had been waiting for — Green Day, headlining Download Festival for the very first time in its history. It was clear the entire crowd had turned out for them. From the front barrier to the very back near the food stalls, every inch of the field was packed — shoulder to shoulder. I tried to make my way through to get some wider stage shots, but it was impossible to move. And honestly, that said it all: this was a massive moment.
Whether you were seeing Green Day for the first time, or like me — for the eighth — there was something electric in the air. You could feel it: we were about to witness a slice of Download history.
Of course, true to tradition, Green Day’s infamous drunken bunny made its pre-show appearance, dancing chaotically across the stage, flinging t-shirts into the crowd before being mock-escorted off — a fan-favourite moment that always kicks things off with a laugh. Then came the singalong to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, a now-iconic way to build anticipation. But just when we thought we knew the routine, the speakers suddenly shifted into the Star Wars Imperial March, with Billie Joe Armstrong’s voice layered dramatically over it, teasing the crowd. It was unexpected, weird, brilliant — and it sent the energy through the roof.
When the band finally burst onto stage with American Idiot, the field exploded. The crowd sang every word like their lives depended on it. One of the most unforgettable moments came when Billie Joe paused between songs and asked, “Isn’t there a British saying... ‘You fat b*****d’?” The crowd roared it back, laughing — and then, without missing a beat, he said, “Now let’s add the name Donald Trump,” sparking a hilarious, defiant chant that had Billie Joe doubled over with laughter.
But it wasn’t just about spectacle — it was also about connection. During Know Your Enemy, Billie Joe pulled a fan from the crowd — a girl dressed as a cheerleader — and handed her the mic. She nailed every lyric, word for word, and got a hug from Billie Joe before leaving the stage, grinning from ear to ear. A once-in-a-lifetime moment that perfectly captured what makes this band so loved: their connection to fans is real.
They give everything on stage — always have — and this set was no exception. Even the weather seemed to play along. As they played Wake Me Up When September Ends, and Billie sang the line “rain falling from the stars”, it actually started to rain. After a long, hot day, it was a magical and strangely fitting moment — nothing like last year’s downpour, just enough to cool things down.
The night ended on an emotional high with Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), and as the final chords rang out, fireworks lit up the sky — the only set of the weekend to end with such a display. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable day at Download.
DAY TWO
I’ve got to give a massive shout-out to the Download Festival merch shop—it was genuinely impressive. On Friday, the queue was so ridiculously long I didn’t even attempt it, but by Saturday things had calmed down a bit, so I ventured in. I was blown away by this year’s branding. From the colour-coded Download dogs—like a bright green one for Green Day (naturally)—to the striking red “blood fountain” topped with a giant dog statue, the whole setup was visually epic.
Inside the shop, a giant duck stood proudly, which, while not directly connected to any band, instantly reminded me of the classic Notts phrase: Ayup, duck. Turns out, ducks are a bit of an unofficial festival tradition too. After browsing some Download Festival Facebook groups, I discovered that loads of fans bring bags of rubber ducks to hand out to fellow festivalgoers. I was lucky enough to be gifted a sparkly pink one on Saturday by a lovely girl—and honestly, it made my day.
The first artist I caught on Saturday was Canadian singer LoLo at the Avalanche Stage—and what a way to kick things off. I hadn’t heard of her before Download, but I’m so glad I caught her set live. Her stage design had a clear Wizard of Oz theme, complete with a dog in a basket on the drum kit, and she even made her entrance to the iconic Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It all tied in nicely with her song u & the tin man, where she compares an emotionless ex to the Tin Man himself—heartless and hollow.
From the moment she hit the stage, LoLo brought the energy, encouraging the crowd to jump and get involved. She was definitely the most pop-leaning act I saw all weekend, but it worked—and I loved it. Her style reminded me a bit of early Avril Lavigne, with a fun cheerleader edge. At one point, she slipped in the classic “Brr, it’s cold in here!” chant from Bring It On during her song Debbie Downer, which was a clever and unexpected twist. Then, during her third track, she threw pom-poms into the crowd, which fans lapped up.
A big Green Day fan herself, LoLo clearly embraced the spirit of the festival—turns out she even watched their headline set the night before, as her Instagram proudly showed. All in all, a lively, genre-bending set that added something unique to the day.
Keeping with the run of brilliant female acts, I made my way to the Dogtooth Stage to catch Mothica, an American singer I hadn’t come across before Download. Once again, I was met with a standout performance and seriously strong stage presence. One of the most unexpected—and fun—moments of her set was a cover of All Star, the iconic track made famous by Shrek, which the crowd loved.
A personal highlight was hearing Buzz Kill, a song I’d previously stumbled upon on a recommendations playlist. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, I wasn’t the only one already familiar with it—it clearly resonated with a lot of fans. Mothica’s mix of raw emotion and alt-pop energy made her one of the surprise gems of the day.
Back at the Avalanche Stage, it was finally time for Smash Into Pieces—a band I’d been itching to see live for a while. Their music and aesthetic always gave the impression they’d be a blast both on stage and in a photoshoot, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. They were the first band I saw all weekend to kick things off with pyro, and it made for an explosive start—literally.
One of the standout elements was their mysterious drummer, instantly recognisable in his signature light-up mask. The mask, featured heavily in their music videos and artwork, adds a unique, almost cinematic edge to their identity, and seeing it in person brought that visual branding to life. His energy behind the kit was magnetic, and the whole set had a polished, high-impact feel that left a lasting impression.
Also, a massive shout-out to the incredible sign language interpreters at the gig—they gave it their all, passionately signing every lyric and making the festival more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Taking a well-earned break from the bands, I caught up with Nottingham legend and rock 'n' roll hair wizard Simon Tuckwell. Set up in the Press and Guest area, Simon was busy cutting and styling hair all weekend long—bringing serious style to Download Festival one head at a time.
A huge fan of LeftLion, Simon told me how much he appreciates hearing the voice of Nottingham through a local publication. “It’s great to hear Notts represented by Notts people,” he said. And as a born creative, Simon is Nottingham through and through—although he started out in London 24 years ago, it was Download Festival that sealed the deal. After attending in 2010 as a rock fan, he “fell in love with Nottingham and decided to move.” Fifteen years later, he’s still here, running his salon Blank Space Creative, now based in the Market Square, and proudly known online as the heavy metal hairdresser.
Over the years, Simon’s salon has become a go-to destination not just for local fans, but for touring rock royalty as well. He’s styled members of Judas Priest, Architects, Avenged Sevenfold, Slaughter to Prevail, Slipknot, and Korn—to name just a few. “It’s amazing to me that these artists will choose to come up to Nottingham instead of staying in London,” he says. “We’ve built great relationships, and now I even get to show them around the city.”
When I asked who his dream client would be, the answer was instant: “Ozzy Osbourne.” With the Prince of Darkness heading to Birmingham in a few weeks, who knows—maybe a visit to Notts is on the cards. Another on his wish list? None other than Metallica. And with Korn headlining Sunday night, Simon will be making sure their iconic dreadlocks are stage-ready before they hit the stage.
Back to the music, next up on the Avalanche Stage were Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic. Bursting onto the stage with high energy, they launched into a set packed with fan favourites and classic anthems, instantly getting the crowd moving. Their signature blend of anthemic choruses and raw energy filled the tent, with everyone bouncing along to tracks like Heart and Soul and Brothers and Sisters.
The band had great chemistry on stage, and frontman Sam McTrusty was clearly feeding off the energy of the crowd, delivering powerful vocals and getting everyone involved. Whether you were a longtime fan or just discovering them for the first time, their set had that perfect mix of nostalgia and momentum—reminding everyone why Twin Atlantic have remained such a beloved name in the UK rock scene.
After chugging down a milkshake—yes, I know, wild times—I headed over to the Apex Stage to catch Shinedown, hands-down my standout favourite band on Saturday. They’re a band I’ve wanted to see live for years, and they more than lived up to the hype.
Their entrance was explosive—literally—as they kicked things off with a blast of pyro flames that instantly amped up the crowd. There was something electric about their performance, the kind of energy that makes you instinctively want to jump, shout, and throw your arms in the air. And I wasn’t alone—chatting with fans afterwards, many felt Shinedown should have headlined the night. There’s definitely a strong hope among their following that they’ll one day take the top slot at Download.
What stood out was how frontman Brent Smith didn’t hog the spotlight. He made a point of stepping back to let the guitarists take centre stage during key moments, giving the crowd a chance to fully appreciate every member of the band. A real team effort on stage—and it showed.
A special moment came when they played A Symptom of Being Human, one of my personal favourites. The atmosphere softened, and the crowd swayed together, arms in the air, completely absorbed. It was one of those festival moments that really sticks with you—raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
After the high-octane energy of Shinedown, I took some time to slow things down and soak up the atmosphere of Download Festival. One highlight was hopping on the Ferris wheel, which offered a stunning bird’s-eye view of the entire festival site. Seeing the stages, campsites, and thousands of people from above really put into perspective just how massive and vibrant the whole event is.
To round off the day, I caught a portion of Sleep Token’s set before making a strategic early exit to beat the rush out of the gates. Even in the short time I saw them, their performance left a strong impression. The set began with dramatic flair—a massive curtain dropped to reveal the enigmatic frontman, Vessel, standing stoically behind it. The stage design was equally striking, featuring what looked like a crumbling brick wall or castle backdrop, adding a sense of grandeur and mystery to the show.
Sleep Token certainly sparked mixed reactions among the Download crowd. While some fans were completely devoted—evident from the fact that their merch completely sold out on the first day—others felt the sound leaned too far into the melodic to be truly "metal." But that blend of beauty and heaviness is exactly what makes Sleep Token so unique.
For me, Caramel was the standout track of the set—hauntingly beautiful, emotionally rich, and a perfect way to wind down the day. Even if they weren’t everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying they brought something different and memorable to the lineup.
Two days down, one to go.
DAY THREE
Sunday kicked off with a buzz of mystery and anticipation as crowds flocked to the Dogtooth Stage to witness the enigmatic debut of President. Ever since whispers of this masked band emerged back in February, speculation and hype have been building steadily—and Download Festival marked their first-ever live performance. As the set approached, the Dogtooth tent was absolutely heaving. In fact, it was so packed that I couldn’t even get inside; people were overflowing into the surrounding areas, all craning to catch a glimpse or even just a note of what was happening inside.
Despite being on the outskirts of the tent, the sound carried—and wow, did they deliver. From what I could hear, President brought tight, punchy instrumentation and a commanding stage presence, even through the anonymity of their masks. The energy was infectious, with the crowd inside erupting throughout the set, feeding the intrigue even further.
There’s a theatricality to President that makes them more than just a band—they’re an experience. The mystery of their identities adds to the fun, and speculation is running wild. Personally, based on the vocals alone, I wouldn’t be surprised if the lead singer turns out to be Charlie Simpson from Busted. The tone, the range—it fits. But until the masks come off, we’ll just have to keep guessing.
Either way, President made a huge impression with their debut, and I’ll be first in line to see them again. If this was just the beginning, we’re in for something very special.
Jinjer was an absolute must-see for me—and not just because of their reputation as one of the most technically skilled and powerful metal bands around. As someone who is part Ukrainian, seeing them live held a much deeper personal significance. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, their presence on such a massive stage at Download Festival felt symbolic—resilient, defiant, and proud. I wanted to be there to show my support, both for the band and for what they represent in these times.
From the moment they hit the Apex Stage, Tatiana Shmayluk commanded the crowd with staggering intensity. Her vocal range was jaw-dropping, and her energy never dipped for a second. You could feel the passion radiating from her performance. Jinjer didn’t just play the Apex Stage—they owned it.
Next up on my must-see list were Alien Ant Farm, taking to the Opus Stage with undeniable energy.The anticipation in the crowd was felt by everyone, clearly everyone was ready for a hit of nostalgia, and the band didn’t disappoint. They delivered all the classics fans were hoping for, sparking huge singalongs and a feel-good atmosphere that radiated across.
One of the freshest acts on the scene, Vower—something of a UK alternative supergroup—made a strong impression at Download Festival. Featuring a powerhouse lineup with Rabea Massaad (Toska), Joe Gosney and Liam Kearney (Black Peaks), and Josh McKeown (Palm Reader), the band brought together some of the UK’s finest talent from the heavier alt scenes. I’ll admit, they were completely new to me going in, but their performance was nothing short of brilliant. With razor-sharp musicianship and a dynamic stage presence, Vower proved they’re not just another side project—they’re a serious force in their own right.
Another standout surprise for me was Novelists, the French metalcore band who delivered an intense and captivating performance. Although I wasn’t familiar with them before Download, their commanding stage presence made an immediate impact. They played with confidence leaving a lasting impression and definitely earning a spot on my radar.
Closing out the entire Download weekend in unforgettable fashion was none other than the legendary Korn. As one of the true icons of the nu-metal era, their place as the final headliner felt not only well-deserved but perfectly fitting. From the moment they hit the stage, the atmosphere was electric—every riff, every roar sending waves through the crowd. Their performance was nothing short of epic, a masterclass in how to command a festival stage with decades of experience and raw intensity.
At one point, frontman Jonathan Davis paused to take it all in, visibly moved by the sea of fans before him. “I’m gonna soak all this in, look at all you people,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude and awe. It was a powerful moment that captured the spirit of the weekend—a mix of celebration, connection, and the sheer love of live music. An iconic end to a phenomenal festival.
As a first-time festival-goer, I can confidently say this won’t be my last Download—I'll absolutely be back. What struck me most wasn’t just the incredible music, but the overwhelming sense of community that runs through the entire festival. Whether you were in the heart of the mosh pits or just wandering the grounds, there was a real spirit of looking out for one another. From seasoned metalheads to the tiniest fans with ear defenders, everyone felt welcome. Download isn’t just a festival—it’s a family, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.
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