#download2017

[kayleekannibal]

Take me back to download please

[bucksmusicandevent]

Putting It All Into Practice

Download 2017 has already been one of the live music events of the year for many fans. Bucks student Jessie Hall shares her experiences of working at the festival.

“12 days before Download 2017 I was asked if I wanted to attend as the production intern. Obviously I said yes straight away as I already had the possibility of interning at Reading, I thought two festivals would be even better. So I arrived on the Monday before show week, it was horrible weather and I had driven for hours. As soon as I got there I was so welcomed. Trish (production coordinator) gave me a huge hug and I was instantly so happy with the choice I'd made.

Everyone in the offices were really friendly and I settled into the role. I had a few personal responsibilities of my own such as catering tickets and also generally helped other people achieve their requirements. The first few days were fairly slow and there wasn't a whole lot for me to do, but it picked up once we got busier. I loved the mania in the production office, everything was go go go all the time and I'm definitely used to that environment at home.

After a while the passes office needed some help with packing up passes for different employees and contractors, so I moved over to the passes office temporarily. Or so I thought. I ended up helping passes from then on and being the passes runner, which basically meant I sat in a pop-up outside the office and waited for people to collect their passes. That might sound really slow and dull at first but I ended up loving it. It was all about talking directly to people and I got to meet and chat to every different kind of person working on site, from site crew through to people filming the performances.

As far as accommodation went we stayed in things called 'bunkabins' which is basically a portable cabin with two beds, shelves, a lockable door and an en suite with a shower. For me this was an upgrade from student halls. My roommate Jill was also in the production office and she was an absolute angel. She made me feel so comfortable and always helped me with whatever issue I had. We didn't have much down time but when we did, chilling out at the bunkabins was pretty much the way to go. Most nights people would sit out side so you just had to sit on your doorstep and you'd be socialising.

There was a day or two that I had a moment when I questioned why I was having to do so many hours unpaid volunteering (it was more than 12 daily) but then I'd suddenly realise how stupid I was being and that I CHOSE to take this AMAZING opportunity. It was definitely the most work or effort or energy I've used in a 2 week period in my life but it was so worth it. I learnt so much about putting theory into practice and seeing the actual long, stressful side of the festival and the people working there were so amazing and helpful, they made me know I was on the right track.

Anyone who's considering going into this industry needs to do this sort of internship or volunteering. It is priceless, you literally could not pay to get this sort of hands on training. I had an amazing time and thank you to all my amazing production gals and the passes office for providing me with the best 2 weeks ever.”

[venomprison]

Review: Download Festival 2017 Rocksins - Feature: Download Festival 2017 Friday – Avalanche & Dogtooth Stage Review "... they provide an uncomfortable environment and a set so heavy it feels like repeatedly being smashed over the head with a sledgehammer." 10/10 Read more: https://www.rocksins.com/2017/06/download-festival-2017-friday-avalanche-dogtooth-stage-review-31658/ Photo: Jake Owens

[emthevegan]

🤙🏼 #DL17 #download2017

[facebooktotallytyler]

The coolest man on earth! #steventyler #aerosmith #download2017

[callmelamb]

@downloadfest, you were the most beautiful host, spent with wonderful friends! Smashed the dog tent with @facedownlondon on Saturday! Saw a plethora of AMAZING bands... And all with my one @dr_calligari ❤ I am fully broken. Until next year 🤘🏻✨#dl17 #downloadfestival #download2017 (at Alexandra Palace)

[emscorbs]

#FFDP were awesome as always. #download2017 #download #downloadfestival #fivefingerdeathpunch #ivan

[andyhewitt95]

View this post on Instagram

Security at @downloadfest was simply GLORIOUS #download2017 #NXTDOWNLOAD #bobbyroode (at Download Festival)