It took me several years of applying before I was finally granted press accreditation for Download Festival. Since 2015, I’ve been fortunate enough to return every year, and it’s something I never take for granted. Being able to spend a weekend at Donington Park doing something I genuinely love still feels like a privilege.

That said, it’s not always easy. The conditions can be challenging—whether it’s relentless rain or intense heat—but the performances always make it worthwhile. Thankfully, 2025 was kind on that front.

Green Day opened the weekend with a huge, commanding set—anthem after anthem perfectly suited to a crowd of that scale, with the entire field engaged from the very first note.

I had hoped Sleep Token might allow photographers this time, but it remained a strict no-press situation. It’s always disappointing to miss out on shooting a headliner, but it’s part of the job, and you adapt—there’s always something else happening, another band to capture.

Korn closed the festival on Sunday, and it felt long overdue. After decades in the scene, they finally took their place at the top of the bill and delivered a set that was heavy, emotional, and packed with moments that sent the crowd into overdrive.

What makes Download stand out is its intensity. It never really slows down—there’s a constant flow of noise, movement, and shared energy. Whether you’re in the pit or further back, the experience is the same: loud, physical, and completely immersive. It’s not subtle, and it’s not meant to be.