Download Music Festival Fri 13 - Sun 15 June 2025

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18v 9-10)

I was not the only TFM team member to be feeling the heat before the festival. All sort of (spiritual) spanners were thrown into the works, but we persisted, prayed, and went in God’s strength. We have a genuine affection for the people of Download, we didn’t want to miss it.

It’s exciting to see the chaplaincy grow to 60, including a diverse age range and range of church experience. There is much wisdom among the chaplains, I have learnt a lot working alongside others. We missed Rev Roy, our friend, who needs our prayers for a heart issue diagnosed just a week before the festival.

A couple of the TFMers, David and Mark, joined the pioneering 10pm-2am shift. We continue a sharp learning curve of how we can meaningfully be a (TFM) team, retaining our core values, within a wider team and an unusual setting. On Sunday we were able to celebrate communion again, despite the inopportune rain and festival noises. Otherwise, we enjoyed glorious weather (unlike last year), and multitudes of people received something of the gospel through our presence, conversation and prayer. This time very few refused prayer, always offered after a chat. What amazing doors God has opened, teaching us new skills; watch this space!

Dan Holland, Lead Evangelist