Download draws over 40,000 metal fans across two cities

Download Festival drew a total of over 40,000 metal and hard rock fans to its two shows.

Promoters Live Nation, UNIFIED & Secret Sounds Present reveal that the Melbourne show last night at Flemington Showground drew over 20,000 in its second visit to the city.

The UK festival’s Sydney debut, at Parramatta Park on Sunday (March 10), also drew a healthy 20,000+.

The shows were headlined by Slayer, on their final world tour, bowing out to Australian fans after a mammoth 90-minute set with the signature tune ‘Angel of Death’ accompanied by stunning pyrotechnics.

The bill included Australian exclusives by Judas Priest, Ghost Rise Against, The Amity Affliction, Pennywise, Halestorm, New Years Day and I Prevail.

It was a showcase for Aussie acts including Airbourne, Frenzal Rhomb, Luca Brasi and Polaris.

Organisers reported being “thrilled” with crowd behaviour and incident-free two shows.

There were four medical transfers, “three for pre-existing medical conditions, one for a fence jump gone wrong.”