Download Festival offers a wide range of medical and wellbeing support. The help map, which will be available closer to the event and displayed at various locations throughout the site, will show you where to find these services.
Medical Support
Your health and safety are our top priority. Our dedicated Medical Team is available across the festival site to provide professional care for everything from minor cuts, bruises and blisters to more serious medical concerns. Whether you’re feeling unwell, need treatment or are worried about a friend, the team is there to assess, treat and support you quickly and safely. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help at any time – it’s always better to get checked and enjoy the rest of the festival with peace of mind.
Medical Centres are located in District X and the Main Arena (near the Main Arena entrance).
Welfare Support
Festivals can be overwhelming and our Welfare Team is here for absolutely anything you might need. Whether you’re feeling anxious, upset, overwhelmed, have experienced a difficult situation, lost friends or simply need a calm space to reset, Welfare provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment. Staffed by trained professionals, the team will listen, support and help you work through whatever is going on, offering practical guidance and reassurance. No issue is too small – if something doesn’t feel right, come and talk to us.
Welfare Centres are located beside the medical facilities in District X and the Main Arena (near the Main Arena entrance).
Mental Health Support – Blink, Samaritans & Harmless
We are proud to work alongside specialist mental health services including Blink, Samaritans & Harmless, who offer dedicated support focused on emotional wellbeing. Their trained volunteers and professionals are available to listen confidentially and without judgement, whether you’re struggling in the moment or dealing with something bigger. If you need someone to talk to, they are here to provide compassionate support and help you feel heard, understood and supported throughout the festival.
New for 2026, Harmless and The Tomorrow Project will be making their Download debut! Based within District X, they will be raising awareness of their services, facilitating referrals and encouraging important conversations. Harmless are a user-led organisation providing a range of services about self harm and suicide, including support, information, training and consultancy to people in need.
Blink are based in District X near the Outpost.
Samaritans are based in District X near the Ace of Spades.
Harmless are based in District X near the Outpost.
Violence Against Women & Girls
Download Festival reinforces its commitment to creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone. Abuse in any form is not tolerated at our event. Support and guidance are available on site for anyone who feels unsafe, experiences harassment or is affected by gender-based violence. We want all festival-goers to feel confident in coming forward – reports are taken seriously and help is always available. Everyone deserves to enjoy Download free from harm and we stand firmly in support of that.
Should you need to seek help, please speak to a member of staff in hi-vis or visit our Help Hubs and/or Welfare Centres that can be located on the help map.
Ask For Angela
The Ask for Angela scheme is a widely recognised safety initiative designed to support individuals who may feel unsafe, vulnerable or at risk of harassment. At Download, we are proud to have this scheme fully implemented across all bars and information points. Any individual who discreetly asks staff for “Angela” will be immediately assisted by our team, who will follow established safeguarding procedures to ensure their safety and provide appropriate support. All bar and information staff are briefed in handling these situations with care, confidentiality and urgency, helping us create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone attending the festival.
Drug Safety
Drugs are illegal and Download operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards the possession, supply and use of drugs on site. Our priority is the safety of everyone attending and any breaches of this policy will be taken seriously.
We do recognise the importance of education and harm prevention. We are committed to ensuring festival-goers understand the very real risks and dangers associated with drug use, including the potential for serious illness, long-term health consequences and unknown substances. We work alongside Change Grow Live, a harm reduction organisation that provides clear, factual information, guidance and support to help people make informed decisions and stay safe. To chat with them in person, please visit their stand located in District X and the Main Arena (near the big wheel).
Take a look at the Download Festival Drug Policy for further information.
If you or a friend ever feels unwell – particularly after suspected drug use – please go to the Medical Centres or speak to a member of staff immediately. Our teams are here to help and will always prioritise your wellbeing. You will receive the right medical support without judgement. Your safety comes first.
The help map will be available closer to the event and displayed throughout the festival site.
Download Festival has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and discrimination against all members of the festival community, including our customers, staff, artists and vendors.
It is an objective of the Festival to ensure that Download is accessible to all, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, disability, body size, national origin, citizenship, race or age, and that it provides a safe and enjoyable experience for all in attendance.
Any person at the Festival who is found to be in breach of this policy and to have engaged in behaviour deemed to be harassing or discriminatory in nature may be liable to eviction from the event site. Such behaviour includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments, physical intimidation and assault, unwelcome physical attention and contact, stalking, non-consensual photography and video recording and disability discrimination.
If you experience or witness anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please report this to a member of staff, who will be able to assist. Additionally, there are a number of support services on site that can help you. These include, but are not limited to:
- A dedicated welfare support service based within both District X and the Arena. These are located next to the medical tents in each of these areas.
- Help Hubs are located throughout the campsites. These are staffed by members of one of the Festival’s welfare providers and will be able to support you with any concerns you may have. These staff members will also be based within the Information Hubs in both District X and the Arena.
Before you arrive
- Test your gear in advance.
- Set up your tent at home so you’re confident using it and know all parts are present.
- Tip: go for a double-layered tent, as single-skin tents may result in leakages and flooding!
- Remember, festivals are limited in space so please don’t bring an overly large tent if you don’t need it!
Pack for changing weather
- Bring waterproof clothing, warm layers for night-time and sun protection for daytime.
- Adding your name or a unique marker can help identify your gear if it gets misplaced.
Secure your tent properly
- Use all pegs and guy ropes to keep your tent stable in wind and crowded conditions.
Create a recognisable base
- Use a flag, coloured tape or distinctive feature so you can easily find your tent.
- Use a tent peg puller/remover to safely remove the tent pegs when dismantling. Do not pull on the guy lines.
- Always camp in allocated areas and look out for fire lanes – you’ll be asked to move if you pitch within these spaces.
Staying safe & comfortable
- Keep valuables with you or hire one of our lockers. These are located in Refresh Retreat and the Arena (near the Big Wheel). If you are staying in Accessible Campsite A or B, lockers are also available there.
- Only bring essentials and avoid leaving important items unattended in your tent.
- Light your way at night – a torch or headlamp is essential for navigating safely after dark.
- Be aware of your surroundings, know where welfare points, medical services and exits are located (see the Help Map for all key details).
- Plan how to reconnect with friends, as campsites can be disorienting – set meeting points in advance.
Stay hydrated and fuelled
- Drink plenty of water and keep snacks handy, especially after long days.
Fire & cooking safety
- Do not smoke inside tents!
- Open campfires are not allowed at Download Festival. Anyone who starts a fire or throws toxic or dangerous items onto a fire leaves themselves liable for eviction.
- No gas canisters or petrol-fuelled cookers will be allowed anywhere on site. There will be no exception to this rule and anyone found using gas may be asked to leave the site!
- Alternatively, please use one of the following: meth stoves including fuel, trangia stoves, solid fuel, gel stoves, green base camp cooker and firelighter stoves.
- Any liquid fuel such as meth stoves (with 1L methylated fuel/spirit max) and/or Trangia Stoves (1L Trangia fuel max) should be in a sealed original container to ensure that it can be used and stored safely.
- Please raise BBQs and camping stoves at least 30cm off the ground to avoid burning the site.
- Do not use any cooking appliances inside of tents.
Campervan fire safety
- Please refer to the Campervan Site Terms before coming to the site.
- It is recommended that all campervans have a fire alarm installed that is regularly tested. Additionally, it is recommended that a Carbon Monoxide detector is fitted.
- Make sure the campervan is well ventilated.
- Turn off all appliances before going to bed and leaving the vehicle and take special care whilst cooking.
- Keep a fire extinguisher within the van.
Looking after each other
- Respect your neighbours.
- Keep noise to a reasonable level, especially late at night.
- Look out for fellow campers.
- If someone seems unwell or unsafe, alert a member of our staff immediately!
Packing down & leaving
- Take everything home with you. This includes tents, chairs, and equipment – don’t abandon gear.
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly.
- Use bins and recycling points provided on site.
- Leave your pitch as you found it.
- Help keep the festival clean and safe for everyone.
Our priority is making sure everyone – especially our youngest rockers – has a fun and safe time at Download. Take a look at our advice for parents and guardians:
1. Pick up a Child Identity wristband
Pick up a Child Identity wristband from any of the Campsite Hubs, Info Hubs, or Box Offices onsite. Make sure to fill in your phone number and attach it to your child’s wrist.
2. Take a daily photo
Take a photo of your child each morning showing their outfit and hairstyle. If you get separated, this helps our Festival Team identify them quickly.
3. Don’t allow children to climb structures or signage
For their safety, please don’t allow children to climb flag poles, signage, scaffold poles, or tent/marquee structures and ropes.
4. Drink responsibly
It is an offence to be drunk or under the influence of drugs while responsible for a child.
5. Provide a safe sleep space for babies
If you’re bringing a baby or infant, please ensure you provide a safe and separate sleep space in your accommodation.
6. Bring ear defenders to protect their hearing
Some areas of the festival can get very loud – bring ear defenders to protect your child’s hearing.
7. Be aware of age-appropriate content and crowd behaviour
Some performances may feature strong language, adult themes, or loud and crowded environments (including mosh pits). Check set listings and choose areas that are suitable for your child’s age and comfort.
8. Keep children away from hot BBQs & stoves
Using a raised BBQ or camping stove? Keep children at a safe distance, and always keep hot pans and liquids out of reach.
Never use a BBQ or stove inside a tent, awning, or motorhome due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
9. Be ready for all weather
Weather can be unpredictable – pack for all conditions! Bring waterproofs, wellies, hats, suncream, and warm layers for cooler evenings.
10. Stay hydrated
There are free water refill points around the arena and campsites – bring your refillable bottles and make sure everyone stays hydrated.
11. Our team are on hand if you need support
If you feel unwell, visit our onsite medical team at the Hospital in District X or head to one of the Medical Points located in the arena.
Need a quiet moment or some friendly advice? Visit the Welfare Tent, which is open 24/7 and here to support you and your family.
You can also speak to our stewards and security teams across the site.
Please note, baby changing facilities are available in the Mini Moshers campsite, plus the Welfare Tents in the Main Arena and in District X.
Download Festival is a live music environment and noise levels can be loud, especially near stages and speaker systems. We encourage all festival-goers to be mindful of their hearing and take regular breaks away from the busiest areas if needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise, please make use of our designated chill-out zones where you can step back, rest and reset in a calmer environment.
We strongly recommend that children always wear appropriate ear defenders to protect their hearing. Prolonged exposure to loud sound can cause permanent damage, so taking simple precautions can make a big difference. Looking after your hearing ensures you can safely enjoy the festival experience – both now and in the future.
We are proud to be working in partnership with Leicestershire Police to support the Be Safe, Be Sound campaign. This initiative promotes simple, practical steps to help festival-goers stay safe, look out for one another and enjoy the event responsibly. Throughout the festival, you’ll see messaging and trained staff reinforcing this approach, ensuring that safety remains a shared priority and that everyone can have a positive and secure experience.
Download Festival works closely with our Public Health and Environmental Health partners at Leicestershire County Council and North West Leicestershire District Council to ensure that all necessary measures are being undertaken to protect our customers, staff, artists and vendors at the festival.
Ahead of heading to the festival this year, we encourage that advice is taken from Public Health authorities to protect yourselves and other members of the community. Steps you can take include the following:
Infectious Illnesses
Infectious illnesses can spread quickly in festival environments. In the event that you are suffering from an infectious illness we advise that you stay away from the festival site. Please avoid coming to the festival if you have suffered from gastroenteritis with diarrhoea or vomiting in the previous 48 hours. Viral gastroenteritis is very infectious and spreads easily in crowds. Risks can be reduced by careful hand washing after going to the toilet and before handling food.
Other steps you can take include the following:
- Avoid sharing items such as vapes, bottles and cans, cigarettes, lip balm etc.
- Avoid close contact if you are feeling ill.
- Look after your body – stay hydrated and get as much sleep as possible.
MMR Vaccine
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine gives long term protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These three infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.
If you are unsure on your vaccine status please check with your local GP to see if you are currently up to date and protected. If you do choose to have the vaccine, please aim to have this 2 to 3 weeks before you attend a festival to ensure you are protected in time before attending.
Visit the NHS website for information about measles and the MMR vaccine.
Visit the Festival Safe website for advice on preparing for festivals and information about measles.
Further Support
If you require any additional support or have concerns during your time at the festival, please speak to the Medical Team who will be able to support. The Medical Team are based within District X at the main Medical Facility on site as well as within the Arena Medical Facility.
Our Security Team plays a vital role in keeping Download Festival safe, secure and enjoyable for everyone. They are responsible for public safety across the site, including managing entry points, monitoring crowd movement, responding to incidents and supporting emergency procedures where required. Their presence helps ensure the festival remains a welcoming and well-managed environment for all attendees.
Security staff are also there to assist you. Whether you need directions, want to report a concern, feel unsafe or require immediate support, they are trained to respond quickly and appropriately. All members of the Security Team can be clearly identified by their numbered tabards worn on site, making them easy to locate if you need help. If something doesn’t feel right, please approach a member of the team – they are there to support you.
You can bring prescription medication to the festival but please ensure it is in the original packaging with the dispensary sticker intact.
If you need to bring in loose medication or medication that’s not in its original packaging, please also bring the prescription(s) with you.
Refrigerated medication storage is available in the accessible campsite, arena and District X.
Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana prescribed for daily use may be brought into the event.
Please bring the medication in its prescribed form together with the original prescription supporting its use for the entire duration of your time at the event. You should be prepared to present this, along with identification matching the name on the prescription, on entry and at any time during the festival if requested.
If your marijuana is prescribed in a form that requires either vaping or smoking, please be courteous and mindful of those around you.
Please note, vaping and smoking are not permitted on the raised viewing platforms.