For many people the idea of a mother-daughter bonding weekend may be a visit to a health farm but that is far too sedate for my Mum and me. We are in the countdown to our three days of rocking at the Download Festival. With a combined age of 86 admittedly the rocking is more of a sedate sway intermingled with frequent stops for a nice cup of tea. But we are not alone. For those who have never attended the Festival or imagine it to be some dark, Gothic world you may be surprised if you were to see the spectrum of ages in the crowd.
 | | Rebecca Hobbs (mum's very camera shy apparently!) |
For many, the festival is a family affair. Those who remember the days of Monsters of Rock at Donington now bring their own children to enjoy the unique atmosphere and this year looks set to please rockers of all ages. The Saturday and Sunday headliners are must sees on my list. Saturday sees the only UK performance of 2006 by the iconic Metallica. It is ten years since I last saw the American hard rockers and like fine wine I am sure they will prove to have done nothing more than improved with age. The natural amphitheatre of Donington Park is the perfect setting for their booming presence. Sunday night and the closing headliners Guns n Roses are another band I haven’t seen for over a decade and the past ten years have seen much turmoil in the band. For all intent and purposes GnR are now embodied by lead singer Axl Rose. My hope is for a nostalgic set that will echo the heady days of Monsters of Rock ’88, and I apologise to anyone in my vicinity who has to endure me singing along to ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’. But, Download is more than the headliners with three stages over three days ensuring a constant stream of entertainment from new bands to established old favourites. I am looking forward to the black metal of Cradle of Filth, whether their dark set will translate to a Sunday afternoon slot on the main stage awaits to be seen. Hopefully there will be sun and it won't scare them off. Other bands on my 'look forward list’ include Korn, Trivium, Lacuna Coil and In Flames. However, one act I am extremely excited by the prospect of is not actually a band but the spoken word ‘sermon’ of Henry Rollins who takes to the Snickers Stage on Saturday. The comedic, hard rock poet is an engaging performer and I expect to see a packed crowd for his unique take on life. The festival is more than pure music and is a celebration of lifestyle and choice. The Snickers Bowl will be showcasing some of the world’s finest BMX and skate stars whilst elsewhere performance artists, healers, fortune tellers and sculptures are a feast for the mind and soul. The tarmac of the track, more used to speeding racecars, will be subject to the footsteps of festival goers perusing the myriad of market stalls displaying a rainbow of jewellery, alternative clothing, shoes and ornaments from across the world. The shopping area is one area I am sure will get our full attention – perhaps our mother-daughter weekend is predictable after all! Rebecca Hobbs | 
