Download bans flags for 2010

Download: Flag ban

Download festival bosses have clamped down on the explosion of flags and banners appearing at the event in recent years.

As of the 2010 extravaganza, they won't be allowed into the main arena, because of the increased complaints about huge pieces of artwork obstructing other peoples' views of the stage.

Festival director John Probyn says: "Now we've had the chance to view footage from previous years, we can see what everyone means. Due to the overwhelming complaints we'll be banning flags on sticks in the main arena.

"We hope you understand this is to ensure that everyone can enjoy what's on stage.

"People carrying flags will be stopped at the entrance to the arena. Anyone who breaks the rule will be ejected from the festival. If someone thinks they can be funny by smuggling in a stick up their ass, they should expect swift action."

Recent festivals across the world have seen a massive increase in people bringing home-made flags and banners to events. There's also been a huge extension of bands offering large flags for sale on merch stalls.

While they look great for the purposes of onstage photography over the crowd, and groups of festivalgoers use them to identify friends, many ticket-buying fans have become upset over the amount of the show they miss because they're stuck behind flags measuring 40 square feet or more.

This year's Download takes place on June 11-13 with currently-announced bands including AC/DC, Them Crooked Vultures, Deftones, Stone Temple Pilots, Megadeth, Motorhead, Wolfmother, Bullet for my Valentine and Volbeat.

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