Over the last few months, all that Australia’s heavy music fans could talk about was that of the inaugural Download Festival. Well, now these fans can get even more excited, with news that not only will the festival be returning in 2019, but it’s set to expand to Sydney as well.
Having been a fixture of the UK music scene since 2003, recent years have seen Download Festival expand internationally, first to France, then to Spain, and now finally, Australia. With countless music lovers turning up on the weekend to watch stunning sets by Korn, Prophets Of Rage, Limp Bizkit, Good Charlotte, and much more, it was very clear that Australians have found themselves a new favourite festival.
Now, Download programmer Nigel Melder has confirmed that the festival will not only make a comeback next year, but that Sydney is set to get their own leg of the festival, too.
“We could not be happier with how Download rolled out in 2018,” Nigel Melder said. “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 yesterday and we are excited to confirm that Download will return to Melbourne and also make its Sydney debut in 2019.”
Likewise, Andy Copping, the founder of Download, flew over from the UK in order to experience the festival’s southern hemisphere debut.
“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,” Copping said. “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 cause 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!”
While there’s no word yet on which acts will be in contention for next year’s festival, we wouldn’t blame you if you started drafting up your wishlist now!
Check out Limp Bizkit’s ‘Hot Dog’, live from Download Melbourne:
