I do feel like I cheated slightly, seeing as I didn't camp there. Instead, I stayed at my sister's place in Derby, with the comfort of a proper bed and a decent shower, then got the shuttle bus over. Although she did keep kicking me so maybe I would have been better off sleeping in a tent haha!
I went to my first Download two years ago and I was dying to go again this year, especially when I saw the line-up. So many of the bands I wanted to see live were playing, and amazingly there weren't really any clashes.
Early Saturday morning, me and my best friend headed out towards Derby train station to catch the shuttle bus. It seemed like ages since we went in 2012, but as soon as we walked into the main arena, it was like we'd never left. Soon enough we were singing along to the likes of Bowling For Soup and Fall Out Boy. Then in the evening, the headliner was Linkin Park, the band (along with Three Days Grace) that I listened to religiously on the way to and from school, all those years ago. It was actually quite surreal to hear some of their songs live.
When I woke up Sunday it was time to do it all again, however this time I was going solo, as my friend had to be back in time for work. First I saw Skillet, who I absolutely love, then I ended up queuing for two hours, to get my CD cover signed by The Pretty Reckless. It was totally worth it and I even got a great big smile from Jamie and a nice 'Thank you' from Mark. Black Stone Cherry played a not so secret gig and Steel Panther put on a hilarious performance before The Pretty Reckless came along playing some of my favourite songs. Finally Aerosmith ended the weekend with plenty of hits and a spectacular explosion of confetti that made it look like it was snowing!
All in all it was a great weekend. Thank you Download, maybe I'll see you again next year?
J :)
