Download Festival is one of the most popular rock and metal music festivals in the UK. It takes place annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire and attracts tens of thousands of fans each year. The festival offers several camping options for attendees, including standard camping, quiet camping, and Download Festival camping Plus.
Download Festival camping Plus is a premium camping experience that provides festival-goers with extra amenities and facilities compared to standard camping. It was introduced in 2018 as an elevated camping option for those looking for more comfort and convenience during the festival weekend.
What does Download Festival camping Plus offer?
Download Festival camping Plus provides the following amenities and facilities:
- Dedicated Plus campsite closer to the arena than standard camping
- Pre-pitched tents with sleeping equipment provided
- Secure storage lockers for valuables
- Access to luxury shower and toilet facilities
- Phone charging stations
- Access to entertainment and leisure facilities like bars, cafes, and seating areas
- Professional security staff monitoring the campsite
- Helpful on-site staff to assist with any requests
The key advantages of the Download Festival camping Plus package are proximity to the festival arena, pre-setup tents so you don’t have to bring your own, access to better washroom and shower facilities, and enhanced security and staff on-site. This results in a more convenient, comfortable, and secure camping experience.
Where is the Download Festival camping Plus area located?
The Download Festival camping Plus campsite is located directly adjacent to the main festival arena. It is closer than the standard camping areas, allowing quick and easy access in and out of the arena to watch bands, visit vendors, or return to your tent.
The Plus campsite is located to the west of the main arena. It sits between the arena and the red campsite, which is the closest standard camping area. This prime location minimize the walking time to get to the arena or amenities such as food stalls.
Festival organizers ensure the Plus campsite is positioned as near as possible to the arena to maximize convenience for fans who choose the elevated camping experience. The exclusive location is one of the key benefits that comes with the extra cost of Download Festival camping Plus.
What facilities are included in the Download Festival camping Plus area?
The Download Festival camping Plus area contains the following facilities and amenities:
- Pre-setup tents – Spacious 2-person dome tents are provided and set up in advance so you don’t have to bring and pitch your own tent.
- Sleeping equipment – Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and pillows are provided for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Lockers – Secure lockers are available to safely store valuables like phones, wallets, and other personal items.
- Shower and toilet blocks – Clean, private washroom and shower facilities exclusively for Plus campers. Hot water is included.
- Phone charging stations – Stations where you can conveniently charge your phone, tablet, or other devices.
- Entertainment areas – Designated areas to relax and socialize, with seating and shade. Some have cafes or bars.
- Information/Reception tent – A clearly marked tent where staff are available 24/7 to provide assistance.
- Rubbish disposal and recycling – Access to waste bins and recycling points so the campsite stays clean.
- Security – Professional security staff monitor the site 24 hours a day.
These facilities aim to provide Plus campers with a enhanced level of comfort, security, and convenience during their festival stay.
What items are provided in the Download Festival camping Plus tents?
The following items are included inside each 2-person tent at the Download Festival camping Plus area:
- 1 x double air mattress (inflated)
- 2 x sleeping bags
- 2 x pillows
- Phone charging cable
- 2 x foldable chairs
- 1 x torch/flashlight
- Small bin
Plus campers do not need to bring any camping equipment like tents or sleeping items. The pre-setup tents come fully equipped with everything 2 people need for a comfortable overnight stay. The inclusion of chairs, torches, phone charging cables, and bins provides extra convenience.
What items are NOT provided in the Download Festival camping Plus area?
While the Download Festival camping Plus area is designed to be an all-inclusive experience, there are some items that are not provided. Plus campers will need to bring the following:
- Clothing and toiletries
- Mobile phone (if desired)
- Sunscreen
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Ear plugs
- Portable phone charger
- Cash and payment cards
- Food and beverages
- Camping stove
- Camping chairs (optional)
Plus campers should come prepared with their own clothing, food, beverages, medications, and other personal supplies for their time at Download Festival. Some people may also wish to bring extra items like camping stools and portable chargers for convenience.
Can you request specific tents or locations?
Download Festival camping Plus provides pre-allocated tents and locations. There is no ability for campers to request specific tent numbers or pitches.
Tents are assigned on a first come, first served basis when Plus campers arrive on site. While they cannot request particular spots, they are guaranteed a tent within the Plus campsite located close to the arena.
Camping Plus does not offer options to book or reserve tents or locations in advance. All allocations occur on-site when setting up. The Download Festival team will try to accommodate any special access requirements if advised in advance.
Is there security in the Download Festival camping Plus area?
Yes, the Download Festival camping Plus area has professional security staff on duty 24 hours a day.
The security team monitors the Plus campsite and conducts regular patrols. They provide a visible deterrent and can assist with any security issues like theft or anti-social behavior. Security staff may conduct bag checks at the campsite entrances.
Plus campers can request help from security if needed. There is a greater security presence in the Plus area compared to standard camping. This gives campers added peace of mind.
In addition to security staff, there are also on-site stewards and helpful crew available around the clock. Download Festival aims to create a safe and secure environment for everyone camping in the Plus area.
Can you bring your own tent?
No, the Download Festival camping Plus package does not allow campers to bring and setup their own tents. The cost of Plus tickets includes pre-erected tents provided for each camper.
Using your own tents defeats the purpose of paying for the convenience of having tents setup in advance. Plus campers do not need to bring any camping supplies with them like tents, sleeping bags, or mattresses.
If you wish to camp in your own tent, you will need the standard camping ticket rather than the Plus ticket. In the Plus area all accommodation is in the tents provided as part of the enhanced camping experience.
Can you request a tent in a specific location?
No, it is not possible to request a tent in a specific pre-determined location within the Download Festival camping Plus area. Tent allocations are entirely at the discretion of the festival organizers.
When you arrive, you will be assigned the next available tent on a first come, first served basis. There is no way to book a tent in a certain zone or pitch ahead of time.
However, the entire Plus campsite is located very close to the arena. Wherever your tent is, it will be in a prime location that minimizes walking distance and provides convenient access to the arena and facilities.
Is camping Plus worth the extra cost?
Whether Download Festival camping Plus is worth the extra cost depends on the value you place on convenience, luxury facilities, proximity to the arena, and enhanced security. The extra amenities come at an increased price.
For some festival-goers, the elevated camping experience is well worth paying more, especially if camping in standard areas in the past posed challenges. The pre-setup tent, comfortable sleep equipment, better washrooms, and shorter walks to/from the arena provide real benefits.
For others on a tighter budget, standard camping has a more community feel and can still be enjoyable. It comes down to personal preferences and finances. Plus certainly enhances the convenience and comfort, at a premium price.
What is the capacity of the Download Festival camping Plus area?
The Download Festival camping Plus area has a limited capacity and sells out quickly each year. The exact campsite capacity varies annually based on total event attendance.
In 2022, Festival Republic confirmed the Plus campsite had a capacity for 2,000 pre-pitched tents holding up to 4,000 campers. They aim to provide 1 tent per 2 people booked.
For context, total festival capacity at Download 2022 was around 110,000 attendees. So while Plus caters to thousands, it remains a small portion compared to standard camping capacity.
Due to the exclusivity and facilities, Plus reaches seller out fast. So those interested will need to purchase tickets promptly when they go on general sale to secure a spot.
What items are prohibited in the Download Festival camping Plus area?
To ensure safety and security, there are restrictions on items allowed within the Download Festival camping Plus area. Prohibited items include:
- Glass bottles or containers
- Illegal substances
- Professional photography/video equipment
- Large knives, axes, or weapons
- Fireworks or flares
- Sound systems or speakers
- Gas cylinders or tanks
- Portable laser equipment
- Drones or aerial cameras
- Anything which could be considered dangerous
Plus campers found in possession of restricted items may have them confiscated and face eviction from the festival. It is important to only bring permitted items to enhance safety and security for everyone.
Is Download Festival camping Plus accessible for disabled guests?
Yes, the Download Festival camping Plus area can accommodate disabled guests, provided their access requirements are submitted in advance.
Disabled campers can be allocated tents in areas with improved accessibility like near the Plus entrance or amenities. The pre-setup tents and close proximity to facilities also assists disabled access.
Any festival-goers requiring disabled access, assistance, or additional facilities should contact Download Festival’s access team. They will make reasonable provisions to improve comfort and accessibility.
Does Download Festival camping Plus sell out quickly?
Yes, the limited capacity Download Festival camping Plus area normally sells out very rapidly after tickets go on general sale.
In 2022, Plus tickets sold out in under 72 hours once they became available to the public. They were all allocated more than 4 months before the festival opening.
Plus provides a premium experience in limited numbers. Devoted fans keen on the elevated amenities typically buy as soon as tickets are available to secure their place.
Anyone interested in guaranteeing a Download Festival camping Plus spot should be ready to purchase their tickets promptly when general sales begin. Hesitating risks missing out.
Can you buy Download Festival camping Plus tickets on a payment plan?
Yes, the Download Festival ticketing agents allow Plus tickets to be purchased on payment plans, spreading the cost interest-free over several months.
The deposit to secure Plus tickets then pay off the balance monthly leading up to the festival. This makes the elevated campsite more affordable than paying the full amount upfront.
Payment plan terms and conditions vary by seller. There are also certain deadlines by which the balance must be paid in full. Ticketing agents like Ticketmaster provide details when purchasing Download Plus tickets.
Can you purchase Download Festival camping Plus tickets at the gate?
No, Download Festival camping Plus tickets cannot be purchased at the gate. The Plus area has limited capacity and sells out well in advance, so is never available to buy or upgrade to on-site.
The only way to access Plus is by purchasing a Plus camping ticket during the advance ticket sales period before the festival. Tickets normally go on sale up to 9 months before the event.
Trying to buy Plus tickets once at Download will not be possible. The exclusive campsite is a pre-booked experience that must be secured online prior to the festival to guarantee entry.
Is there age restriction for Download Festival camping Plus?
Yes, there is an age limit for accessing the Download Festival camping Plus area without a guardian. The Plus campsite does not allow unaccompanied children under 16 years.
Anyone under 16 must be staying in the Plus area with, and supervised by, a parent or official guardian aged over 18. Proof of ID and guardianship may be requested.
The age limit ensures child safety and adult supervision. It also reduces noise and disruption for others. Anyone under 16 found unsupervised risks being removed from the Plus campsite.
Can you bring alcohol into the Download Festival camping Plus area?
Yes, it is permitted to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol for personal consumption into the Download Festival camping Plus area if you are over 18.
Glass bottles are strictly prohibited but cans or plastic bottles of beer, cider, wine, spirits etc can be brought in when initially accessing Plus.
Note that Plus campers will need to show ID to gain entry, and security may confiscate excessive quantities of alcohol. Consumption of alcohol is only allowed within the Plus campsite, not in the main arena.
Conclusion
Download Festival camping Plus provides a luxury camping experience in an exclusive area close to the main arena. Plus campers benefit from pre-erected tents, sleeping equipment, enhanced facilities, and greater security.
Demand for Plus tickets is extremely high due to the elevated amenities and proximity to the action. Tickets sell out fast so need booking promptly when available. Prices are higher than standard camping but provide greater convenience.
Overall, Download Festival camping Plus caters to fans seeking more comfort and a hassle-free stay at Donington Park. It comes highly recommended for those who can afford the premium price and wish to maximize their enjoyment of the UK’s premier rock festival.