Download Festival cancelled for second year due to Covid
Organisers vow rock weekender will return ‘stronger than ever’ in 2022
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Download Festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers have confirmed.
The hard rock festival, which was due to feature headliners Kiss, Biffy Clyro, Iron Maiden, and System of a Down, had been scheduled to take place from 4 to 6 June in Donington Park in Leicestershire.
Posting to social media, organisers wrote on 1 March, “We’re sorry to announce that Download 2021 will no longer be taking place" and "Download will return stronger than ever 10th - 12th June 2022 with headliners @kiss, @IronMaiden, and @BiffyClyro.”
Ticket holders will be able to keep their spots for next year or receive a refund.
Download Festival had been due to take place a few weeks before the government's 21 June target date to remove all legal limits on social contact.
Last year, the festival's 40th anniversary was called off due to the pandemic.
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson expressed his disappointment at having to postpone again.
“Like everyone, we were all hugely disappointed when the global pandemic forced the cancellation of Download 2020 which would have been Maiden's seventh time headlining here,” he said.
“As most people know, this festival is hallowed ground for us and our fans’ vocal support and enthusiasm is always phenomenal and much appreciated.
“We can't wait to see everyone again, and are determined to make the show one hell of a party and the greatest homecoming ever.”
Next year’s festival has been scheduled to take place at Donington Park from June 10 to 12, 2022, with tickets going on sale on 5 March.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments