This year, Download Festival is even bigger then ever as it celebrates 20 years of the iconic festival. Thousands of metal fans travelled from all over the UK, Ireland and further affield to watch performances from Slipknot, Metallica and Placebo among hundreds of others.
We joined the crowds on Thursday, June 8, as the festival started, to meet and greet fans as they got into the spirit of the event. Can you spot yourself in our photo gallery?
5. Download Festival 2023
Download Festival 2023 | Dan Lord Photo: Dan Lord
6. Download Festival 2023
Download Festival 2023 | Dan Lord Photo: Dan Lord
7. Download Festival 2023
Download Festival 2023 | Dan Lord Photo: Dan LOrd
8. Download Festival 2023 has begun!
Crowds gathering at the main stage for bands to start on the Thursday | Dan Lord /Forecast Designs

