The lineup was one of the most ambitious in the festival's history, featuring two unique sets from , alongside heavyweights like Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot .
: Their first-ever headline slot at Download was widely praised as a "passing of the torch." The production was massive, featuring post-human aesthetics and a career-spanning setlist that solidified their place at the top of the genre.
Personal accounts from attendees often touch on the emotional highs of the sets versus the physical toll of the environment. Download Out 2023 txt
“Spent Evanescence having a panic attack cause of the pushing and shoving and that was at the top of the road area!” TikTok · ThatOneEdgyKid · 2 years ago
: The addition of a fourth day and a record attendance of 100,000 people caused unprecedented traffic chaos. Some attendees reported being stuck on shuttle buses or in their cars for up to 6–10 hours trying to reach the site on Wednesday. The lineup was one of the most ambitious
: Performing two entirely different sets (no repeated songs) on Thursday and Saturday, the band delivered a masterclass in metal history, though some fans felt the "no repeat" rule led to a few deeper cuts that slowed the momentum.
In 2023, the celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special four-day "District 10" edition at Donington Park. Critics and fans from TikTok and major music publications highlighted it as a landmark event, though one marred by extreme weather and logistical hurdles. Musical Highlights and Performances “Spent Evanescence having a panic attack cause of
: Reviews on the hygiene of facilities were mixed; while some fans were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the toilets, others struggled with overcrowding at the 2nd stage "choke points". Community Perspectives