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.