It’s been 21 months since my last festival so not only was last weekends Download Pilot event much needed for me personally it was also a step in the right direction to try and get live music events happening again! With COVID all gigs, festivals, shows, events were cancelled last year so the industry has taken a huge hit. We had already bought our 2020 Download Festival tickets, we had splurged for our 30th birthday celebrations and gone RIP (Downloads version of VIP), anyway we carried our tickets over to this year and again to 2022. 

Due to already having tickets for 2022 we were able to get pre-sale tickets for the Pilot event which took place as one of the governments ERP (events research program), once tickets were secured we started planning the weekend in just a few weeks. 

Download, Ticketmaster & Festival Republic made sure we were all in loop with information about the event, things we needed to do prior and kept the announcements coming. Andy Cooping, Downloads lead booker managed to get the acts signed up in a weeks time which is absolutely crazy but it seems all the bands were on board and excited to play a show. 

Before the weekend we had to take a PCR test and post this off on either Thursday evening or Friday morning then take a lateral flow test before travelling to the event; this had to show a negative result to gain entry to the pilot event. We are also required to take another another PCR test 5 days after the event for the research to be conducted. Me and my festival pals were all negative and set off for the event early Friday morning, traffic was minimal and we arrived around 11am where people where already heading through the check-in points. 

Face coverings were required to be worn throughout the check-in process, the first point was to show your negative LFT results and your photo ID then to check-in to the event using the NHS track and trace app. Next up was a bag security check, they had a limit on alcohol so were checking this here as well, once through security it was time to get our tickets scanned and a wristband on. I was so happy we had wristbands, its always something else to keep from the festival. That was it then, we were in the event; social distancing and face coverings were not required and we was basically free for the weekend! 

We managed to get a close camping spot on one of the red camps, this was the closest we have ever camped to the car so there wasn’t any lugging our gear for miles! Set up was seamless even in the rain which started 15 minutes before we arrived at the car park; standard for Download weekend! 

As this was a pilot event with 90% less attendees than a regular Download festival, everything was in one area; campsites, arena, showers/toilets, food vendors, merch stands and some small shops; this was so much smaller than we were used too. I got to admit it was so strange being around people again in groups and crowds but once the bands started and the evening went on it just felt normal again. Everything that had been put in place prior to the event including testing made me feel at ease too and after so long without any live music it was worth the anxiety I felt when arriving. 

Since we were camped so close to everything we popped back to the tent for some tea, threw some burgers on the BBQ then headed back to the stages ready for ‘Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes’ who was headlining on the Friday. If you haven’t seen Frank Carter before then your missing out and if this was your first time seeing them then I’m sure you had an amazing time! He is full of energy and passion plus he engages with the audience a lot; he also brought out some guest including IDOLES lead singer and Cassyette. 

Saturday was the biggest day for me and my pals, it was the first full day of bands which started at 11.30am and we had a lot to fit in but managed to have a chilled morning with a sausage breakfast and a rest before a busy day. We headed to the arena to catch ‘Wargasm’ who wasn’t my usual vibe but they performed well and had lots of energy on the stage, next up was ‘A’ followed by ‘Yonaka’ who I was super excited to see. I headed down towards the front and stood on the barrier in the middle, after a little sound error they brought the place down and everyone was enjoying themselves. Later we caught ‘Twin Atlantic’ before heading for our tea at the tent, we saved a lot of money by eating at the tent instead of buying food in the arena. 

Creeper were playing at 8.15pm on the second stage and this was my main band to see on Saturday, I got a good spot near one of the posts inside the tent so I had space if I needed it but I was so comfortable and just jumped, sang and loved every minute of their theatrical set. Closing the Saturday night, ‘Enter Shikari’ played on the main stage with their electric set with lots of bass and lights flashing across the arena. Perfect end to an amazing day! 

Last day is always the hardest as we know its nearly over but we still had a blast. First off was breakfast at the tent then packing up as we were leaving Sunday night after Bullet, of course the rain was here again which did make packing up a bit inconvenient but the short walk to the car was a win. Arena time and we had a quiet morning in terms of bands we wanted to watch so hung out at the ‘Rocktail Cocktail’ bar who had DJ’s on all weekend playing all sorts of music, it was fantastic! I hope they keep this attraction for future Downloads. 

We strolled around the arena, caught a bit of ; ‘Lonely the Brave’, ‘Massive Wagons and ‘Elvana’ who were all on form! Since we had packed up we ate in the arena so opted for the popular ‘Yorkie Pud’ stand which was delicious; massive square Yorkshire pudding with pulled pork, stuffing, mash potatoe, sausage and gravy! 

‘Skindred’ where hitting up the main stage just after 7pm, we always watch ‘Skindred’ when they play, they are one of our whole groups favourites and Benji and the band put on a great show. The second stage last band was ‘Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls’ who were a wild card in my opinion and actually rock harder than I thought! Bullet for my Valentine closed the weekend and the pilot event massively, with an amazing show, perfect set list, the whole band was on form, happy and excited to just play a show! Honestly couldn’t of been a better end to the weekend. 

I think this weekend was much needed for a lot of people and Download did amazing at setting this event up in around 4 weeks, you guys ROCK!!! I hope the statistics from this research are as positive as I think they will be and we can get live music back again!

Checkout all the photos and videos from the weekend on my Instagram & TikTok.

See you in 2022 Download Festival RIP style. ‘Horns up’ 

AD-Sample item - This product was sent to be to sample as part of the Trnd project with Bodyform. All thoughts, opinions & experiences are my own, see my disclaimer for more information. 

There is a lot more focus on sustainability now which is fantastic and having a more sustainable period is no different. There are plenty of options available to suit everyone’s needs and Bodyform have created their own period underwear. I’m part of the Trnd project with Bodyform so I’ve been able to sample a pair of intimawear™ underwear over the past few weeks.

I was kindly sent a burgundy hipster pair to try out, these arrived in branded packaging with all the information clear, the underwear comes in 5 sizes ranging from XS to XL; I got the XL which is a size 18-20. The intimawear™ feels soft and stretchy on first impressions, I actually really like the colour but there is also an option for black. If hipster style briefs isn’t for you, Bodyform have a bikini style too.

So how do period pants work?

Intimawear™ works just like a towel but with the comfort of your underwear, I found these to fit well like my normal underwear, but I knew I was protected. The underwear has Tritech performance which is three layers of protection; the top layer is a moisture-wicking cotton-soft top fabric which helps to move body fluids deep into the next layer. The middle layer is super-absorbent and hold fluid securely for up to 8 hours and finally the bottom later is the external secure layer which is made from breathable material which enables airflow for quick drying!

The top layer is made from wicking fabric which is a modern technology material which helps to draw moisture away from the body, these are made from high-tech polyester which absorbs little water, so you feel dry and comfortable when wearing intimawear™. This layer also helps to neutralise odour due to being treated with an antimicrobial odour control system, so you don’t have to worry about that either.

As well as feeling protected on my period, I like to know that I am helping the environment by using a reusable product and I’m also saving money each month! Looking after my intimawear™ is easy, it’s a cold rinse then throw them in the washing machine at 40 degrees. I leave them to dry naturally and Bodyform have guaranteed them for a minimum of 50 washes!

Overall, I now have a more comfortable period, I know I'm helping the planet and saving money in the process too!

Are you ready to try Bodyform’s intimawear™? 

Grab 10% off until 31^st May 2021 with code ‘FLOWWITHTRND10’ on Bodyform. 7

Yorkshire Sculpture Park has been on my ‘must visit’ list for over 12 months now so as places are now open and in need of visitors, I planned a visit. YSP is a 500-acre outdoor art gallery with many areas to discover including some indoor galleries. Booking was easy using the eventite app and cost just £6.00 per person which also included parking!

The drive took around 1 hours and 15 minutes, it wasn’t a bad drive with not so much traffic. Arriving at YSP we were greeted by staff who took our name from the car then directed us into the car park. I’d booked the afternoon slot; 1pm-4pm, once parked up and packed lunch in hand we headed into the attraction. Entry can be made through the reception building where there are toilets, gift shop and information plus a cafe, you can also enter avoiding the building by just walking on to the paths/grass. 

I love that YSP is an open space with lots to explore, you can pick up a map of the park at multiple points throughout the park but there is no right or wrong way around, it’s all about the exploring. We entered through the visitor centre as we used the facilities but decided to check the shop out on our way back. 

Walking through the visitor centre and into the park was amazing, the sculptures that I could see where so much bigger than expected and you can get close enough to see the small details. There’s lot of space so your never near other people and everyone was staying in their bubble groups anyway. 

Around the park are a few indoor exhibitions which face coverings are required and hand sanitiser must be used on the way in; staff are also monitoring how many people enter. The indoor exhibit closest to the visitor centre housed ‘Joana Vasconcelos’ - Beyond exhibition, this is in the Underground Gallery. Inside were amazing works of art from Vasconcelos including an oversized pair of stilettos made up of saucepans, this was my favourite piece in the gallery and screamed femininity and power. 

On our way around the park we utilised one of the outdoor picnic benches to stop for lunch, we took our rubbish home as requested on YSP’s website. We had the whole bench area to ourselves so it was nice to sit and eat. 

We continued around the open air gallery being amazed by different sculptures and art pieces and wowed by others, it really was something to see so many art installations in one place. My main reason for wanting to visit YSL was to see ‘Damien Hirst’s’ sculptures that are currently being shown within the ‘Country Park’ area of the outdoor gallery. I’ve been a fan of Hirst for years, from being at art college and had seen a couple of his works in Leeds city centre last year so was eager to see more. 

Finding the Hirst sculptures took us around the wooded area of the park where wild mountain cows were roaming, this was an unexpected highlight of the day to be walking around with such beautiful creatures; it’s like we were on an adventure. Eventually we made it to the bridge and I could see Hirst’s ‘A Virgin Mother’ sculpture in all it’s glory, it was much bigger than I was expecting and was as detailed as the ‘Hymm’ sculpture that I saw in Leeds. 

I think due to only having half a day at the park (3 hour booking) we were only able to see a small portion of the park and I would like to visit again soon to see more of the open air gallery. It’s not like any gallery or exhibit I’ve visited before and for £6.00 a ticket I’m sure I’ll be back again before the year is out. 

Whilst at the park, I felt very safe, face coverings are required in all indoor buildings and galleries, queue systems have been put in place for toilets, gift shop and cafe, hand sanitising stations are placed all around the park and of course the majority of the park is outdoors in the open air; you’ve no obligation to visit the indoor attractions. 

We had a lovely Sunday at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and I’m so glad we finally found the Damien Hirst location. 

Have you been to YSP before? Are you planning a visit? 

 Chester Zoo is only about a 45 minute drive from me but since having the car I haven’t taken the opportunity to visit. The last time I did go to Chester Zoo was when I was in Primary School -long time ago- so I don’t remember that much. 

My Sister asked me if I wanted to go and take my nephew at the end of Summer so I said yes and was super excited to go; it was a Thursday on the last week of the summer.

Once inside the first enclosure you see is the elephants, being the first thing in the zoo this meant there was a lot of people crowding to see but they were keeping their distance from others; we decided to get a quick look but skipped until later so walked further into the zoo. 

To navigate around the zoo, I used Chester Zoo’s online map from my phone, there was a lot to see and walk around so we wanted to make the most of the day; we picked a direction and went with it. First off taking us to the Rhino area who treated us to a run around, the Rhino seemed happy jogging around it’s large enclosure. 

After a short walk we found the new Lemur attraction, I was eager to see the Lemurs up close; face coverings had to be worn throughout this part of the zoo even though it’s an outside enclosure. (Children under 3 were exempt from wearing face coverings) Inside the Lemur enclosure was a big open area, lots of trees and climbing areas and hidden in the trees was the Lemur inside area, we were lucky as after around 10 minutes they were out and about, running between us and jumping around. There were baby Lemurs too that had only been born this year; two sets of twins we were told by the zoo staff. 

I was really impressed with how the Zoo was handling the Covid situation, enforcing face coverings in a lot of areas especially indoor enclosures; some areas was closed due to the pandemic but this didn’t make the attraction any less exciting. There was lots to see and lots of animals to explore whilst feeling safe. (Chester Zoo’s safety information)

My nephew has sponsored a penguin during the worrying times the zoo had this year so he wanted to visit the penguins to see ‘his penguin’. We queued for a short while to get a close up look at them in the water through some viewing glass. This was fab to see them up close and see them happily swimming around. 

The Flamingo space was being renovated so unfortunately we wasn’t able to see any, they are my sisters favourite. I said this gives us an excuse to visit again soon. As for my favourite ‘the giraffes’ they were enjoying some food and putting on a show for us, there were a couple of younger giraffes pottering around too. I loved it! There is an inside part of the giraffe area were you can see them up close, it was so amazing to see the true size of them and watch them in their home; one of them walked over and took a drink in front of me. They really are remarkable animals! 

                

There was a couple more parts of the zoo which were unforgettable for me which you can see in the images. Overall the day was a success, all of us enjoyed it and saw as much of the zoo as possible. The Zoo staff were amazing and very helpful when needed, they have some good systems in place to help customers feel safe when visiting during the pandemic. 

We will definitely be visiting the Zoo again soon. 

Book your Chester Zoo tickets here.

Have you visited Chester Zoo, what did you think?