Download Festival is always a good idea
3 days, a field full of 90,000 people, 18 bands and musicians photographed and 60 odd thousand steps, as I arrive back into London after a whirlwind Download 2026, all I can think is, “How long until I can be back doing it all over again?”
When I first applied to photograph Download three years ago, I had no idea what to expect. I predicted it to be loud, hectic, busy, potentially muddy! It was all of those things (in a good way) but what ultimately has stood out for me is the feeling of pure happiness at Donington Park. It’s about more than just the music - so much of it is about the people in the crowds. It’s just the friendliest of festivals.
On the bus on the way to the site on the Saturday, I overheard two young men (strangers) chatting. Both admitted they struggle socially and to make friends, both said they are autistic. One said he suffers with anxiety and that he just loves the friendliness of Download. He said he had a moment over the weekend of watching the music and being amongst thousands of people and realising he felt completely zen and happy.
I took the ferris wheel up to get a shot of the festival site on the second day. I was put in a pod with a lovely couple and we chatted. We all felt a bit nervous as it was a windy day and the pod was rocking around. As soon as the ride was finished I walked away and then heard cheering. He had proposed to her as they disembarked the pod!
I feel lucky I had the chance to photograph Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park becoming the first woman to headline the main stage at Download and to discover bands such as A Day to Remember storming the Opus Stage on the final night. Watching Ash perform their wonderful song “Shining Light” and having the chance to tell Tim Wheeler later on how beautiful I find the lyrics (which won the band an Ivor Novello) was a special moment too.
As I walked away from the main arena on the Sunday evening, the distant sound of Linkin Park still playing, my cameras still on my shoulders, my heart felt full. I couldn't agree more with the sign I saw in the press room (and at the top of this post) which says, “Download is always a good idea.” It’s a special one, that’s for sure.
All images © Katie Collins/EMPICS