Donington Park's Download Festival is back next month as a Government test event.

The famous rock festival will be capped at 10,000 people and staged from 18-20 June, as the Government continues to research events of different sizes with a view to bringing crowds back to shows such as this.

North West Leicestershire District Council says: "We're working closely with the organisers to support the event, including on aspects such as noise and traffic management."

The decision to go ahead with the event marks a U-turn from the announcement made in March.

Then, it was decided Download would not go ahead for the second successive year Download Festival has been called off yet again.

But the festival organisers made the updated announcement on their website today (Wednesday).

They said: "Downloaders, we couldn't be more hyped to announce that we will be running a pilot event as part of the second phase of the Government's Event Research Programme.

"It's gonna be a 10,000 capacity camping festival in Donington Park!

"Everybody on site will have taken a lateral flow test before entry and received a negative result and will have taken a PCR test too.

"That means you'll be able to mosh, dance, hug your fellow Downloaders, and rock out without a mask or social distancing.

"Frankly, we can't think of anything that sounds more awesome after 15 months away from our hallowed ground.

"Researchers from Public Health England will be overseeing the study.

"They will be gathering data on transmission risk, the suspension of social distancing and face coverings over several consecutive days.

"This data will help to ensure that events later this summer can go ahead safely.

"There's certain criteria the science bods need you to fulfil for their research (being over 16 is one example).

"Anyone who wants to attend will need to read and agree to a consent document first to ensure they understand the research process and meet these criteria before they can buy a ticket.

"To say thank you for sticking with us through these tough times, Download 2022 ticket holders will be given first dibs for 48 hours on tickets for the pilot event.

"You'll need to take a Lateral Flow Test at home and it has to be negative for you to enter the event. If you test positive, don't worry – you'll be refunded.

"The researchers also need you to take a PCR test and drop it in a Priority Post Box before you get to the event.

"All you need to show at the gate will be your ticket, matching ID and your negative lateral flow test result (this will be shown as a text or email from the NHS).

"Five days after the event, you'll be asked to take a second PCR test and send it back to the ERP. These post-festival tests are really vital to the research and you must send yours back!

"We've missed all our Download fam so much and can't wait to see you all again. This is going to be epic!"