Download Festival Attendees Advised to Disable Smartwatches to Avoid Emergency Alerts During Moshpits

At the Download Festival this weekend in Donington Park, Leicestershire, attendees are encouraged to turn off their smartwatches and other mobile devices to prevent accidental emergency alerts during moshpits. The festival features notable acts such as Green Day, Sleep Token, and KoRn headlining the main stage.

Local police have reported issues in previous years, where wearable technology caused a surge in false 999 calls—nearly 700 additional calls over the weekend due to devices mistakenly sensing “collisions” during performances. They recommend that festival-goers switch their devices to airplane mode or disable emergency notifications to help reduce this overload.

Leicestershire Police stated, “All those calls had to be assessed to ensure there was no threat, risk, or harm, distracting our contact handlers from responding to genuine emergencies.” If an accidental 999 call is made, festival-goers are urged to stay on the line or respond to callbacks to confirm their safety.

In addition to the headliners, the lineup includes artists like Weezer, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Jimmy Eat World, and many more.

However, the festival has recently faced criticism over its policy regarding bathroom access for trans individuals, sparking a conversation about safety and inclusivity at the event. Some artists, including Noahfinnce and Pinkshift, have condemned the policy, arguing it endangers trans fans.

Download Festival organizers have promised to provide gender-neutral facilities, stating, “At the heart of Download is acceptance—we stand with all community members to ensure everyone feels safe and welcomed.”

Despite efforts to clarify their stance on bathroom access, critics argue that the messaging remains ambiguous and insufficient. Following the controversy, some sponsors, including Lush, have chosen to terminate partnerships with the festival. Organizers have expressed their commitment to creating an inclusive environment while navigating these complex issues as they plan for the future.

Festival organizer Andy Copping mentioned, “We’ve always aimed to make Download accessible to everyone, pushing musical boundaries and nurturing newer talent,” emphasizing their desire to evolve alongside their audience.