Wholesome photos of goths at Download 2023

From dads on dodgems to young lovers in Slipknot jumpsuits, Chris Bethell captures the most heartwarming activity at the UK's heaviest festival.

Down­load: home to more bat­tle jack­ets than Cam­den Mar­ket, more Carls­berg than Copen­hagen and more camp­ing chairs than Moun­tain Ware­house. Every year thou­sands make their way to Don­ing­ton Park for the mam­moth British rock fes­ti­val, which cel­e­brat­ed its 20th anniver­sary this year with a spe­cial four-day week­ender fea­tur­ing a dou­ble per­for­mance from Metal­li­ca and a line-up so enor­mous that tick­ets sold out for the first time ever.

It’s also a fes­ti­val that, arguably, pulls the nicest crowd of any event in the UK – nay, the world. Those unfa­mil­iar with the cul­ture might assume that the kind of per­son rock­ing up to see a load of bands with names like Pupil Slicer’ and Smash Into Pieces’ would be, shall we say, a gloomy” indi­vid­ual. But far from the stereo­types ped­dled by Wood­stock 99 or The Purge vibes of Sun­day night at Read­ing and Leeds, Down­load feels more like a knee-slap­ping gig down your local pub – except it’s attend­ed by 130,000 peo­ple. Mot­ley crews of vet­er­an rock­ers, young lovers and chil­dren in Slip­knot masks pile in to share piz­za, throw down and pick each oth­er up again.

Pho­tog­ra­ph­er Chris Bethell was there to cap­ture all the whole­some fun at Down­load 2023, includ­ing every­thing from mosh­ers on the dodgems to a man offer­ing hugs to any­one in need of emo­tion­al sup­port. Put your hands in the air and pre­pare to smile!

See more of Chris Bethel­l’s work on Insta­gram.

Enjoyed this arti­cle? Fol­low Huck on Twit­ter and Insta­gram.

You might like

A crowd of protesters holding placards and banners, including flags of Ireland, with "Defend the right to protest" and "Defend knee" written on them.
Activism

In photos: Hundreds gather outside court to protest Kneecap terror charge

‘Free Mo Charah’ — With drums, smoke and applause, protesters greeted the rapper outside court as he was released on unconditional bail.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Portrait of a bald man with glasses and a beard, set against a blurred background.
Activism

Misan Harriman: “The humanity I bear witness to is extraordinary”

Shoot the People — Following the premiere of a new film exploring the photographer’s work and driving forces, we caught up with him to chat about his rapid rise, shooting protests and the need for powerful documentarians in times of struggle.

Written by: Isaac Muk

A man with long curly hair and a beard wearing a green jacket against a dark blue background with "Analogue Appreciation" text in yellow.
Music

Analogue Appreciation: Joe Armon-Jones

All The Quiet (Part II) — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s keyboardist, producer and Ezra Collective member Joe Armon-Jones.

Written by: Joe Armon-Jones

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Huck 79

We are all Mia Khalifa

How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.

Written by: Alya Mooro

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...