The faces and fandom of Download Festival with Johnnie Walker Black Label

When watching one of the many awesome bands on Download’s new monolithic main stage this year, if you glanced to your left, you would have noticed the bright yellow beacon of community spirit that was Johnnie Walker, who are driven by their mission to keep walking and moving music culture forward. Throughout the weekend, thousands of headbangers, emos, nu-metallers and all flavours of the alternative scene met up to share a glass (or two) of whiskey or one of the awesome Download-exclusive frozen black cocktails.

Because at Download, Johnnie Walker wanted to bring people together, whether it was for a drink or to dance to one of many DJ sets over the weekend, including an awesome secret performance from the mighty Creeper. They even hosted cocktail masterclasses and handed out a ton of exclusive merchandise to the Download faithful – the fans and bandanas in particular were very welcome during the heat!

And that’s what a festival is all about, isn’t it? Coming together with hundreds and thousands of like-minded friends and family, united through a love of music, being yourself, and an unwavering passion for the intergenerational community that makes our world what it is.

Speaking to Kerrang! and Johnnie Walker at the festival, Downloaders from all walks of life shared their love of the alternative scene, staying true to themselves, and why they will keep walking their own way.

“Everyone’s here for the love of the music and love of each other, and there’s no bad vibes anywhere,” one fan told us. “The alternative community is one of the most welcoming places ever,” added another.

It’s hard to argue with that.

To see that community in action, check out our exclusive gallery of the faces of and fandom of Download 2026 with Johnnie Walker.