Download Festival officially returned for 2026 today with a Download XXIII - and the campsites are crammed already.
The gates opened for campers to arrive at 11am this morning (June 10), with many waiting over night to claim the best spots to pitch their tents.
Black Camp is particularly crowded already - but many more are expected to arrive tomorrow (June 11) ahead of the headline acts taking to the stage in the arena from Friday to Sunday (June 12-14).
Express & Star journalist Kirsty-Louise Card has pitched hers and already explored the grounds - finding delicious food and activities such as axe throwing, guitar hero in the arcades and blacksmithing demonstrations going ahead to keep the day one arrivals entertained.
She even spotted a Black Country flag masted in one of the campsites on the way in. Could it be yours?
Take a look at 18 pictures from day one of the event below:
12. Rock fans making their way toward the rides and food stalls
Kirsty-Louise Card/Iconic Media