'Our reception by the Downloaders has always been well received' 

Chaplains at this year's Download festival had many 'amazing' encounters with festival goers, says the Revd Roy Monks, minister of Castle Donington Community Church.

Roy is one of the organisers of the chaplaincy ministry, which is now in its sixth year at the festival - and this has now led to a chaplaincy invitation to raves in Derby, he explains

Formerly known as Monsters of Rock, Download is a rock festival which this year attracted around 80-90,000 people to the motorsport circuit at Donington Park in Leicestershire. Headline acts included Gun's & Roses, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. There was even a visit from the Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves and his rock band Dogstar, who delivered a 30-minute set on the Opus stage.

There were 45 chaplains from all over the country who ministered, including many Baptists. 

'Our reception by the Downloaders has always been well received since we began doing this six years ago,' said Roy.

'Although we were moved into different spot this time people still came in droves to our main tent in the arena. 

'They also came to another tent we had sited near to District X, a sort of after show place where people mix together around the bars, retail and post main event area which can sometimes last into the early hours of the morning. 

'Many engage us openly as they see us walking around the site in our chaplaincy high vis vests, while we get the opportunity to help some of them practically, such as directions to where some things are located, and we have been a strong support to some in getting medical help.  

'One lady took to social media to thank one of our chaplains personally in escorting her to the medical tent and remaining with her and her partner whilst she received the care she needed.'

But it's not simply the practical festival goers appreciate. The chaplains hosted a communion service during Download, and liaise with a prayer co-ordinator via a prayer feed. Here all chaplains can instantly send a prayer request knowing this will be taken up by the prayer coordinator and sent to those who have agreed to pray during the festival. 

'God is certainly at work in this place,' added Roy. 'The conversations we have are many and varied but it’s clear to all of us that many are seeking, even through some of the music itself, as well as having a good time with their friends and favourite bands. We had many amazing encounters.

'We were delighted to receive a thank you from two people who had been prayed for last year. They subsequently found a church on their return, had both been baptised and then went on to offer their help to us at next year’s Download.' 

Roy is now preparing to be chaplain at a series of raves in Derby. Following the success of the Download chaplaincy, event production company Far and Beyond invited a chaplaincy presence at the raves earlier this year, which attract around 3,000 young people to a warehouse.

The chaplaincy tent was placed just outside the entrance, near to the paramedics, door staff and on-site management team. 

‘It's close enough to be seen and just far enough away from the music to provide a haven of help for those who need it,’ said Roy. 

‘We became a safe space for revellers who often share their personal stories and often ask for prayer. We have a well-stocked literature table and can make tea and coffee, as well as offering prayer and a listening ear. This also extended to staff.’

The raves are taking place again in the autumn, and once again a chaplaincy team has been invited.  

‘We feel God has opened a door to these places because his heart is moved by the issues and the deep searching so many seem to have,’ said Roy. 

‘If anyone is interested in joining us and feels this could be their ministry we would be happy to hear from you.’ 


To get more of a flavour of chaplaincy at Download, the Church of England recently shared this video: