Download Festival is '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take ...

Download Festival is '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take ...
Download Festival is '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take ...

The organiser of Download Festival said it is '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take place safely amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Melvin Benn, managing director of the Festival Republic group, said the level of compliance he saw during the Covid test event was 'extraordinary', adding that the festival was proof music events could be Covid secure.

Around 10,000 eager fans flocked to Donington Park, East Midlands, to enjoy the three-day version of Download Festival, called Download Pilot, which kicked off on Friday before coming to a close on Sunday night. 

Speaking as the festival drew to a close, Mr Benn said: 'It's extraordinary really. It's really fantastic. I am very heart-warmed by it all.

Melvin Benn, managing director of the Festival Republic group, said the level of compliance he saw during the Covid test event was 'extraordinary'. Pictured: Crowds as Skindred performed during the Download Pilot festival on Sunday

Melvin Benn, managing director of the Festival Republic group, said the level of compliance he saw during the Covid test event was 'extraordinary'. Pictured: Crowds as Skindred performed during the Download Pilot festival on Sunday

Mr Benn, the organiser of Download Festival, said this year's three-day music event (pictured) was '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take place safely amid the Covid-19 pandemic

Mr Benn, the organiser of Download Festival, said this year's three-day music event (pictured) was '100 per cent evidence' that big music events can take place safely amid the Covid-19 pandemic

Around 10,000 fans flocked to Donington Park, East Midlands, to enjoy the three-day version of Download Festival, called Download Pilot, which kicked off on Friday before coming to a close on Sunday night. Pictured: Festival goers on Sunday

Around 10,000 fans flocked to Donington Park, East Midlands, to enjoy the three-day version of Download Festival, called Download Pilot, which kicked off on Friday before coming to a close on Sunday night. Pictured: Festival goers on Sunday 

'What is extraordinary about it is the level of compliance around the testing and requirements we have is absolutely extraordinary.

'In a way that you would expect when you are in the middle or towards the tail end of a pandemic, that level of compliance is extraordinary.

'It is coupled with a level of normality that is equally extraordinary when you have been out of it for so long.'

Despite heavy rain and showers, fans danced to the likes of Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari, who played on Friday and Saturday, while Bullet For My Valentine and Frank Turner graced the stage on Sunday. 

Asked about the idea it remains impossible for large-scale music events to be Covid-secure, he said: 'It is evidence that this is not true. It is 100% evidence that it is not true. This is a very clear demonstration that you can do it.' 

The festival took part as a Government test event to see how Covid transmission takes place in crowds, which gave people a taste of normality as fans did not have to wear masks or socially distance.

Crowds, who had to provide a negative PCR test before arrival, were allowed to mosh and hug at the camping-only festival as they were freed from strict Covid regulations while onsite.

But the rock and metal event's capacity was reduced by 90 per cent from 111,000 to around 10,000 as it was allowed to run as a smaller pilot event rather than being cancelled for the second year running.

Despite heavy rain and showers, fans danced to the likes of Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari, who played on Friday and Saturday, while Jimmy Wizard of Higher Power (pictured) and Frank Turner graced the stage on Sunday

Despite heavy rain and showers, fans danced to the likes of Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari, who played on Friday and Saturday, while Jimmy Wizard of Higher Power (pictured) and Frank Turner graced the stage on Sunday

The festival took part as a Government test event to see how Covid transmission takes place in crowds, which meant fans did not have to wear masks or socially distance. Pictured: Fan dressed as Jesus crowd surfed during the festival

The festival took part as a Government test event to see how Covid transmission takes place in crowds,

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