‘I’ve been coming to Download festival since 1984’

For many rock and metal fans, Download Festival is more of a pilgrimage than an annual event.

That is certainly the case for Neil Meynell, who has been heading to Leicestershire every year since 1984, back when it was still known as Monsters of Rock.

The 58-year-old, who lives in Tewkesbury, said the sense of community keeps him coming back.

For newcomers to festival life or those dipping their toes into the heavy world of headbanging and mosh pits, he advises travelling lightly.

Mr Meynell said the best thing about Download for him was “the vibe” between bands and fans.

“This is basically my home,” he said.

“Everyone says it’s [the] spiritual home of rock and roll, and it might sound a little bit out-there, but it’s just the feeling of what people bring.

“You just walk around here and you feel at home – you still see the battle jackets with Iron Maiden and AC/DC, and you still see the new bands coming along, but invariably it’s the same attitude.”

Having been to dozens of festivals and watched bands through pouring rain as well as in baking sunshine, Mr Meynell has learned the benefits of keeping his rock and roll operation as tight as possible.

“I’d say to people don’t overplan things,” he said.

“Don’t pack a million bits of kit, just let the festival take you as it goes, and don’t be annoyed if you miss anything, just pick up the next thing.

“Just let it flow, and by Monday morning you’ll be like ‘when is it on next year?'”