It’s not often that the sound of wind chimes twinkles across Donington Park, but then Download festival has never had a headliner like Sleep Token before. As this unlikely intro music intensifies, signalling the imminent start of the biggest and most important show of this enigmatic band’s career, all eyes focus on the main stage.
Many here are curious as to what all the fuss is about, but others have clearly pledged their allegiance to Vessel and are wearing the homemade robes and masks to prove it. Sleep Token’s sharp ascent has been staggering. In 2020, they were headlining the 900-capacity Islington Assembly Hall, but in 2023 they sold out London’s Wembley Arena in under 10 minutes, before playing two nights at the city’s vast 02 Arena the following year.
