Download knows a thing or two about rock with a history that dates back to 1980 when the first ever Monsters of Rock festival set the place ablaze with a serious heavy metal festival that really rocked despite the mud bath that ensued. With almost 3 decades of rock history under its belt you'd be hard pressed to uncover any of the greats who haven't played here - or for that matter any fan worth their 'metal' that hasn't been. For Rock at it's best this is the place to be.

Monsters of Rock disappeared after the 1995 festival for a short while - rising like a phoenix from the ashes to rock the world again in 2000 with a rest in 2001 and a return in 2002. Download was born to an ecstatic crowd in 2003 and was such a success that it evolved from a 2 day festival to a three day rockin' fest in 2005.

Download really is the major event in the rock calendar and is totally steeped in history, a spiritual home for the rocker if ever there was one. There is a also really good website packed with a wealth of information for those wishing to attend the event.

Download boasts wall to wall entertainment there is the Village (introduced 2006) which is an exciting innovation that provides major activities which usually includes LaserQuest - there is absolutely loads to do at this festival - in fact you could say so much on offer - so little time!