Download 2006

United Kingdom | | 11 June 2006

From the campsite congas to the colossal two-and-a-half hour Metallica set on the Saturday night, everything about Download 2006 was bigger, better, hotter and louder than ever before... an exhilerating ride from start to finish.

Across the whole weekend, Donington Park saw an incredible 75,000 people fill up the extended arena, drenched in sun throughout. From watching the bands on the three stages, partying in The Village, to the skate and BMX action in the Snickers Bowl, the atmosphere has been sizzling.

'Download moments' manifested in many hair-raising on-stage collaborations. Soulfly’s Max Cavelera joined Chino Moreno on vocals during the Deftones’ set and Trivium’s Matt Heafy burst on stage during Metallica's encore. Hundred Reasons' Colin Doran was one of no less than six all-stars to guest with This is Menace in the MySpace/ Gibson Tent. Korn's entire set was one big historic collaboration, with Slipknot/ Stone Sour's Corey Taylor and several other superstars saving the day by fronting the band, whilst singer Jonathan Davis recovered in hospital. Axl Rose reuinited with former Guns N' Roses legend Izzy Stradlin and Skid Row's Sebastian Bach also made an appearance.

A trouble-free weekend was marred late on Sunday night by troublemakers in one of the campsites. Police were called to Donington Park at around midnight after reports of fires in the camp site areas. There was resistance to both security officers and the police and missiles were thrown and police detained around a dozen people for a variety of offences including assault and damage. There are not thought to have been any serious injuries to fans.

Four million bottles of water and 120,000 bottles of sun cream were sold on-site, with twice as many toilets provided as last year. Whilst people were treated to over exposure to the sun during the festival, there were no major medical requirements. 15km of fencing was erected, with 130 water tankers and over 4 miles of water pipes. 18,000 cars filled the car parks to capacity. For the bands alone, 180 trucks passed through, with 150 buses ferrying 10,000 bands and personnel about.

In its first year, The Village allowed festival-goers to party until 4am every night with dancing girls, self-harming performers and Metal karaoke keeping crowds entertained until dawn. Download 2006 was a monsterously brilliant festival and we can't wait until next year. Until then, re-live the thrills and spills right here: