Download festival to return to Melbourne, expand to Sydney in 2019

The Australian debut of the UK’s hard rock Download festival on the weekend drew close to 30,000 to Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse.

This was enough consumer support for promoters to announce this morning that Download would return to Melbourne in 2019 – and expand to Sydney as well.

International attractions Korn, Prophets of Rage, Limp Bizkit, Mastodon, Gojira, Amon Amarth, and Sabaton delivered stand-out sets alongside the Australian contingent, some of which were playing to their biggest crowds to date.

Couples used the pop-up church to get married and then moved to the beer hall for the reception.

As part of the stress on an all-encompassing experience, there was a wide range o food offerings also encompassing vegetarian and halal, while hour long line-ups indicated that the signing tent was also a popular destination.

Download programmer Nigel Melder said, “We could not be happier with how Download rolled out in 2018.

“The warmth and support from the heavy music community was unprecedented.

“From fans to industry and media the love has been out of this world.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their behaviour and we are excited to confirm that Download will return to Melbourne and also make its Sydney debut in 2019.”

Download founder Andy Copping flew in from the UK to experience Download Melbourne and had this to say:

“It was an incredible honour to bring Download Festival to Australia and no better place than at Flemington Racecourse, or as it was renamed by fans Donmington, in the heart of Melbourne.

“Seeing all the bands just hanging out and supporting each other on stage encapsulates the true camaraderie and spirit of this kind of music, this scene and this festival.

“Thank you Download Australia, particularly the fans ‘cos it’s nothing without you lot.

“You have truly have taken the festival to your hearts and we cannot wait to be back again for you next year!”