I went to Download Festival 2024 - here's why it's been dubbed the 'worst' yet

Download Festival was plagued by complaints after a weekend that saw the ground turn to slush because of incessant rain, numerous bands drop out of the bill at short notice, technical issues cut some bands short, layout changes that infuriated attendees and dangerous crushes as huge bands played in small tents.

Before the festival even started it was plagued by drop outs as several bands pulled out due to event's connections with Barclaycard. Then on Saturday (June 15) Electric Callboy posted on Instagram that singer Nico Sallach was too ill to perform their set on Sunday.

Express.co.uk attended the festival and saw there were issues from the off as the transport hub for pick up and drop off point for attendees was moved adding significant time to people's entry to the event. From a 20 minute walk last year the new layout meant it took around an hour to walk to entrance from shittle buses before joining huge queues for the security search meaning some fans missed bands they had planned to see.

Over on the stages technical issues meant several bands such as Baby Metal and Bleed From Within had their sets cut short much to fans disappointment. Babymetal took to social media to apologise to their fans and said they were told to evacuate the stage due to the weather.

Meanwhile, despite coming on stage 20 minutes late Bleed From Within were still allowed to play a special performance of Metallica's Enter Sandman with Rob Becekett and Romesh Ranganathan for their Sky show Rob and Romesh VS.

The delays caused some fans to miss their favourite bands. @jefajess lamented on X: "#Downloadfestival had some high highs and some low lows. But the final kick was the weather delaying the act that meant the world to me and was meant to be my weekend closer (@WeAreTheUsed) ended up going on too late for us to safely get home. I wish I’d been there. I love them."

The weather management in general proved the biggest bugbear for fans. Massive rainfall meant that the ground quickly turned to slush. This caused huge issues as it became extremly dangerous and Express.co.uk witnessed several people falling in the mud and even packing up and leaving the festival early due to the conditions.

On Sunday the organiser posted on the festival's X account: "Morning Downloaders! Gates to the Arena are expected to open at noon today. Please bear with us whilst we improve the arena conditions for you. We appreciate your patience." Despite their efforts the ground was a health hazard with ankle deep mud and trechorous conditions in the main stage area. Drivers with arena or day tickets found their cars stuck in the mud and the management of the car parks, given the conditions, drew many complaints.