Download Festival: Metal fans praise the event with a “big” atmosphere.

The first crowds of rock and metal fans have started to pass through the gates of Leicestershire’s Download Festival.

Around 75,000 people are expected to descend on Donington Park this weekend, with Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy and Avenged Sevenfold headlining.

Long-time friends Janey Noble and Rae Taggart said the festival was special because there was “no judgement” and a “friendly vibe”.

Mrs Noble, 49, said: “It’s the people who do it. It’s a really friendly atmosphere.

“Everyone gets along. It’s the same at any metal concert. If you fall into the mosh, someone picks you up.

“It’s not a huge arena and everything is within a five-minute walk to see the bands you want.”

Mrs Taggart, 54, added: “There is no judgement. There are very few fights. It’s a very safe place to be.”

The friends “absolutely” agreed that regardless of age, who you are or where you come from, you are welcome at Download.

Connor Parker, who attended Download Festival in 2015, 2016 and 2017, said: “It’s so much fun. It is a place with very welcoming feelings.

“Great music, good drinks, great atmosphere. That’s what we’re here for.”

His sister Chloe Parker said: “We like the same kind of music. We both have similar hobbies so it makes sense to be here together.

Both said they were most looking forward to seeing Fall Out Boy.

Mrs Parker added: ‘It’s the teenage years coming back to me. It makes me feel young again.”

Ewa Pacha said she had flown in from Belfast to attend the festival.

Ms. Pacha said, “I love it. It doesn’t matter what the weather is like. Last year was fantastic because we had a heat wave.

“I like the atmosphere. It feels like home to me. Everyone is friendly.

“You can express yourself. You come here and relax.

“You are listening to your favorite music. You meet people, crazy people.

“Everyone is completely different in normal life, when it comes to the festival, everyone goes crazy with their clothes, looks, makeup and stuff.”

National Highways has urged those driving to the festival to allow extra travel time.

The authority said it would conduct extra traffic patrols to try to keep vehicles moving.

Some passengers at East Midlands Airport have missed flights in 2023 due to traffic jams.

The airport also warned Download drone pilots to avoid its airspace. This came after drones near the festival closed EMA’s airspace at least four times.

Four artists say they have pulled out of this year’s Download Festival in protest at its links to Barclays.

As for the weather, sunny spells and thundery showers are expected on Friday, with similar conditions expected on Saturday evening, where some sun and drier weather is expected.

Sunday looks to be drier with less breeze and more sun, but still a chance of showers.