UK holds first festival since pandemic start

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Thousands of heavy metal fans are camping, singing — and even moshing — in the rain at Britain’s first full music festival since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, AP reports.

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, have tickets to watch more than 40 bands including Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes 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.

Festivalgoers arrive during a downpour on the first day of Download Festival at Donington Park at Castle Donington, England, June 18. — AP
Festivalgoers arrive during a downpour on the first day of Download Festival at Donington Park at Castle Donington, England, June 18. — AP

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