Download Festival issues warning after rain turned parts of site into mudbath

It wouldn't be Download without challenging conditions and rock fans are certainly getting the full on festival experience, with driving rain turning parts of the Castle Donington site into a mud bath on day two of the festival (June 16). The music festival has had its fair share of bad weather over the years, with many returning visitors remembering similar conditions in 2019 and 2016 when the event was nicknamed 'Drownload'.

Although the 2024 event doesn't appear to be as bad, the conditions are definitely not ideal. Since Friday, June 14, there has been several bouts of rain, which along with thousands of people walking across the site, has created a sea of mud.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Download Festival shared an update for the final day. It states: "Driving to Download today?

"The weather has affected conditions in the South Car Park. Your arrival and departure today may be slower, so please prepare with drinks, snacks and any medication you may need. Traffic is currently moving steadily. If you need assistance, please turn on your hazard lights."

They also posted earlier this morning to say they were working to improve conditions in the arena. Taking to Twitter to express their views, @Kirstie_OT typed: "@DownloadFest south/day car park. No staff managing it. No patrolling. Cars stuck in mud.

"One accident already seen. People with hazards on asking for help but no help. No email or whats app response. Now what?? #DownloadFestival."

@charlieh46 shared: "It’s so muddy @DownloadFest. Left London with only white trainers had to borrow snow boots off my mum to wear today. Pic is from the very beginning of Friday, it was so much worse as we left.

Festivalgoer @OliviaJWood_x added: "Looking at the videos of Download Fest this year is giving me flashbacks to Drownload 2019 when there was a literal river of mud flowing through the village."

@KaiRossBest posted: "Download Festival? More like DROWNload Festival (I miss last year's weather ) Final day today, can’t wait for my shoe to get sucked up by the mud."

Whilst @Celticpussycat typed: "The ground at @DownloadFest is literally sludge at this stage! We are all just mud people now!"