First time at Download? You’re in for one hell of a ride. Whether you’re doing the full five-day madness, dropping in for a day, or camping like a pro, this no-fuss guide will help you arrive ready, survive the chaos, and leave with legendary stories.
Before the festival
1. Get Your Journey Sorted
Donington Park is easy to reach, unless you leave it to the last minute. Prep like a pro and sort your journey out in advance.
- Train: Head to East Midlands Parkway, then hop on the official Download shuttle.
- Coach: We’ve got routes coming in from across the UK so you can just sit back and relax. Check out the 75 pick-up locations offered by Big Green Coach and book your weekend or day return travel now.
- Driving: Check out our full guide on driving to Download (coming soon!) and follow our live travel updates for any road closures or car park queues.
For more travel-related advice, visit our travel info page.
2. Download Our App
Schedules. Site maps. Line-up updates. Your ticket. All in one place.
Make sure to install the Download Festival app on iOS or Android and turn on notifications to stay in the know about surprise sets as well as last-minute updates.
3. Pack Like a Headliner
Struggling with what to pack? Here are some festival essentials to help you get started.
- Tent, sleeping bag, roll mat (your back will thank you).
- Wellies and/or sturdy boots.
- Rain poncho and suncream (yes, both. This is the UK).
- Reusable water bottle
- Torch or headlamp
- Portable charger
- Wet wipes, deodorant, toilet roll
- ID and payment method
What you leave at home is also important. Skip the glass, flares, and anything you’d have to explain to security.
For the full list of restricted items, visit our FAQs page.
Still need a tent? Read our top tips for buying one.
4. Plan Your Weekend Like a Legend
Look at the line-up in advance. Figure out who you can’t miss. Accept that clashes happen. Make peace with it. Build your own schedule (the app helps with that). And if your mates are into something you’ve never heard of? Give it a go. Some of the best sets happen where you least expect them.
During the Festival
1. Pitch Like a Pro
Where you camp can make or break your weekend so don’t just throw your tent down anywhere, plan ahead.
Top tip: Mark your tent with something you’ll spot at 2am. A flag, LED lights, an inflatable… whatever helps you get home.
Don’t forget to say hi to your neighbours and get to know your fellow Downloaders! We also have group camping options available allowing you to arrive individually and camp together.
Heading to #DLXXII solo? Camp with other solo festival goers in the lone wolf campsite, our designated area within standard camping (location will be shown on our map coming soon!)
2. Live the Full #DLXXII Experience
- Dive into District X. It’s more than a side-quest. It’s the heart of the action. Think pub quizzes, Emo Drag Karaoke, Heavy Metal Sports Day and a few more surprises you didn’t know you needed. Don’t just pass through, get stuck in!
- See the bands you love (and discover new ones). The #DLXXII lineup is stacked full of exciting sets. Wander. Explore. Let the music pull you in.
- Take care of yourself. If you need a breather, this year’s lineup includes yoga, mindfulness tents, sensory calm zones and a Raven Records pop-up, offering mental health support, creative workshops and recovery spaces.
After the Festival
1. Don’t Ghost the Clean-Up
- Take your tent and all your stuff with you
- Bag up your rubbish and use the bins provided.
- Rest up before travelling, especially if you’re driving.
- Start planning for next year. You’re not a rookie anymore.
Leave Donington as epic as you found it.
Now you know the ropes, you’re ready to take on the mayhem and the music. All that’s left is to show up and soak it all in. From headliners to hidden gems, sunrise moments to late-night laughs, get ready for an experience you won’t forget!
See you on site! Let’s make it loud.