District Council rules that Download Festival did not breach licence conditions after 'traffic nightmare'

By Ashby Nub News Reporter

18th Nov 2023 | Local News

Image: Dreamstime.com
Image: Dreamstime.com

Download Festival did not breach noise and traffic licence conditions this summer, a North West Leicestershire District Council inquiry has found.

The BBC website reports that there were major traffic delays in the area around Donington Park as around 100,000 rock music fans made their way to the site on June 7 and 8 this year.

Some passengers at nearby East Midlands Airport missed flights as a result of the "unprecedented" congestion.

But the District Council, did find one "minor" breach over access to toilets off site.

The council said it started an investigation after receiving more than 200 complaints about "noise and traffic chaos".

Later that month, Ashby-based councillor Nick Rushton said the event could be under threat if there is any repeat of the traffic issues.

The annual event was extended to take place over four days to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Download Festival's manager apologised after major delays were reported over two days as thousands headed to the rock and metal event.

Ashby councillor said after the event that the Festival's future could be in doubt if there is any repeat of the traffic chaos. Photo: Leicestershire County Council

East Midlands Airport staff - including managing director Steve Griffiths - drove in minibuses to collect passengers stranded in the queues.

People living in the area called the traffic an "absolute nightmare".

Some also reported hearing music nearly 15 miles away.

The council said it had reviewed licensing conditions and found the festival did not breach traffic management or noise control measures, the cause of the majority of the complaints.

An events licence has been in place at Donington Park since 2005, allowing the site to host events, including Download Festival.

Cllr Richard Blunt, leader of the authority, said: "Given the age of the licence, we have suggested the event organiser and licence holder look to change some of the conditions to prevent the scenes and complaints we received this year."

Andy Copping, from the event organiser Live Nation, said: "Download Festival has committed to a full review and overhaul of operations with a brand-new production team to not only meet these conditions, but to exceed them and elevate the event experience for attendees, local businesses and the local community."

     

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