大象传媒

The "something old, something new" tagline isn't a cheeky swipe at the age of some of the performers at this year鈥檚 Download Festival, though there is a wonderful mix of metal stalwarts and bright young thins to look forward to on the three stages.

This year the festival has more innovations than ever before to compliment its usual mix of all round entertainment for those who like their music more metal than a spoon.

Fields of green...

The first and most obvious difference for 2008 is the location. In the past the festival has been nestled inside the track but this year it breaks free with the entertainment portion of the festival newly located to the land left of the track. The entirety of the festival, including car parking will be within the confines of the Donington Park site.

The main stage is set to be located within a natural amphitheatre, bordered by trees which is sure to be a stunning setting to watch the headliners such as Kiss, The Offspring and LostProphets from. The second stage will be bigger than ever and now open air sas opposed to the previous year's tented stage. This will greatly increase capacity which is sure to be needed with second stage headliners such as Simple Plan, Him and Cavalera Conspiracy. The second stage will be set on hard standing which will reduce any mudbaths, though we all have fingers crossed for another year of glorious weather, as well as reducing dust for those all important pits.

Festival Director John Probyn says: "The new site layout will be a much more enjoyable experience for Download fans for 2008 and stretching into the future."

Downloader: Rebecca Hobbs

Of course, Download is much more than just the music. The festival will again boast food from every corner of the globe, shopping galore, cinema, interactive games and a fairground.

Exciting new entertainment on the cards includes the silent disco phenomenon. All party-goers are given wi-fi headphones and can choose to listen to one of two on site DJs. Lookers-on will see a sea of dancing people seemingly swaying to silence.

For those looking for laughs comedians will be performing in the campsite entertainment tent Funhouse Comedy Club.

Exited yet?