Downloaders don’t do things by halves, and this year just proves it as a huge number of campers are already settled into the mud at the iconic Castle Donington site. As you probably know, the rain has been relentless but maybe not as bad as the infamous ‘drownload’ of 2016. There is mud, yes, but guess what: this is a festival in the UK. If there wasn’t mud you would ask for a refund.
The layout is a bit different this year, I liked the ‘old’ version of the village, but I’m sure we will grow to like this one. No doubt the arena’s changeup will throw people, but we will see.
Last night in the Dog house the early birds were treated to a burlesque routine with a difference: Suicide Girls’ ‘Dis-Grace’ lead by Rebecca Crow with the mission to promote female empowerment, in their own rock n roll way. Last night was the first night of the ‘Side Splitter’ stage too, featuring the likes of Jim Breur, Laura Lexx and more. If that wasn’t enough The Circus Of Horrors finished the night off with their own brand of entertainment. Actually, they are on again…now!
Thursday morning saw the newly enstated ‘Rock Fit’ and DO.OM Yoga. Keeping healthy in a unique Download way. If you missed it, it’s on again tomorrow morning. If you haven’t noticed, I’m trying not to talk about the weather too much. It has affected the oncoming traffic, unfortunately, but at least we are safe. According to the forecast, the sun could still pop his head out at some point. So let’s hope it’s not too bad for the first bands of the weekend tonight. Yup, there are bands on Thursday too.
[In French accent] Later that evening…
Well, that was unexpected. Not only did the sun make an appearance (at around 8pm may I add) but those bands rocked the place. Bands that stood out for me were Sweet Little Machines, NESHIIMA, and The Five Hundred. The fun didn’t start there as we had many, many fun times to the tunes afterwards. The rock cinema looked awesome too. Playing live videos late into the night after what looked like an amazing bill of films.
After all that, the rain hasn’t hindered the fun. On to Friday where we are looking forward to Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Rob Zombie, Sumo Cyco and many more. I’m particularly interested in ‘The Danish Quarter’ which features DJ Lynx Africa. Not sure what that is but I hope it doesn’t stink. There are also acoustic performances from some of the bands performing this weekend. If you have any suggestions of who we should see, tweet us or comment below.
