Metal fans mosh at first live United Kingdom music festival since pandemic

A festivalgoer crowd surfs on the first day of Download Festival. Photo / AP

Thousands of heavy metal fans were camping, singing — and even moshing — yesterday at Britain's first full music festival since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The three-day Download Festival, taking place at Donington Park in central England, is one of a series of test events to see whether mass gatherings can resume without triggering outbreaks of Covid-19.

About 10,000 fans, a tenth of the festival's pre-pandemic attendance, secured tickets to watch more than 40 UK-based bands including Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet for My Valentine.

Attendees all took Covid-19 tests before the event, and don't have to wear masks or follow social distancing rules during the festival.

Promoter Andy Copping said there was a "real sense of euphoria" at the event, which runs through Sunday, despite the wet weather lashing much of the UK after several weeks of warm sunshine.

"It wouldn't be Download unless there was a bit of rain," he said.

Concertgoer Alexander Milas said rain and mud would not mar the event.