Whilst the bands might have been screaming '666'; three was the magic number for Download Festival organizers this year: the festival now in its third year, with three stages and expanded to run over three days. It was also the third year that Simon Battersby led an experienced management team and 450 staff to look after the 50,000 fans who enjoyed the weekend.
Aside from the increased logistics to accommodate the larger crowd and 35,000 campers Showsec worked with officials from the SIA. Showsec had 48 SIA licensed staff and officials commented on the high level of organization and preparation in place meaning that no crisis management was ever called on during the weekend.
The most obvious challenge to Showsec over the weekend was the main stage pit, where hundreds of crowd-surfers came over the barrier. Battersby commented: "I doubt there will be another festival pit in the UK as busy as this through the summer. Our main-stage managers John (Halland), Simon (Sinclair) and Brendon (Kellegher), were well organized and maintained control under pressure. Even after three full-on days plus Sundays last three bands (Slayer, Slipknot and System of A Down) the team never faltered."
John Probyn, festival manager for Download: "Showsec was utterly professional in looking after the biggest ever crowd at the Download Festival and was an important contributing factor to the success of this years' event."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
