Witch Fever Slams Download Festival’s Trans Toilet Policy as “A Complete Tragedy”

The Download Festival’s trans toilet access policy sparks backlash from Witch Fever and other artists, challenging the safety and dignity of trans attendees.

Witch Fever Voices Strong Opposition to Download Festival's Trans Bathroom Policy

Manchester’s punk band Witch Fever have joined a growing chorus of artists criticizing Download Festival over its controversial policy on toilet access for transgender fans.

Earlier on May 27, musicians NOAHFINNCE and Pinkshift publicly condemned the festival’s rule that restricts trans women from using women’s bathrooms and trans men from using men’s facilities. This policy, reportedly based on recent UK legal guidelines, has ignited heated debates about inclusion and safety.

Download Festival's Email Reveals Restrictive Bathroom Guidance

Pop-punk artist NOAHFINNCE shared a revealing screenshot from an email query to Download Festival. The message from festival organizers claimed pride in their community’s diversity and their commitment to attendee comfort, including for transgender and non-binary individuals.

However, the same correspondence cited interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which states:

“Trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use the women’s facilities and trans men (biological women) should not be permitted to use the men’s facilities.”

This hardline stance has left many feeling unsafe and excluded.

NOAHFINNCE Calls Out Download Festival Publicly

“Hey @DownloadFest what the fuck are you doing inviting trans people to play your festival but not allowing them the simple right of using the correct bathroom?” — NOAHFINNCE

NOAHFINNCE voiced frustration on Twitter, pointing out the hypocrisy of inviting trans performers but denying them access to appropriate toilets. He argued that forcing trans people to queue in the "wrong" bathroom risks outing them and endangering their safety.

He added:

“I had a great time playing last year but will not be attending again if I have to queue up for the ladies’ bathroom and my trans sisters have to risk outing themselves in the men’s bathroom. All this does is put trans people in danger. If you’re playing @DownloadFest, attending it, or even just aware of it, say something about it.”

Witch Fever Condemns the Policy as a “Complete Fuckin’ Tragedy”

On Instagram Stories, Witch Fever responded candidly when asked about the festival’s trans toilet policy:

“The threat to trans people’s safety by forcing them to enter toilets that are assigned to a gender that they don’t associate with is a complete fuckin tragedy. We are hoping this decision gets changed.”

Witch Fever has long been outspoken advocates for transgender and non-binary rights, reflecting their inclusive ethos in their music and activism. They also performed at Download Festival in 2023, bringing their voice directly to the event.

Empowerment Through Self-Expression: Witch Fever’s Mission

Bassist Alex Thompson emphasized the band’s dedication to empowerment in a 2022 interview:

“Empowerment is always going to be at the core of anything we do, because that’s why we do this. We wanna show people – especially women and gender non-conforming people – that you can express yourself in the way you’ve been told your whole life you shouldn’t – and there’s a power and positivity to doing that.”

This spirit of inclusivity clashes sharply with the festival’s current stance.

Understanding the Legal Context Behind the Policy

The festival’s policy aligns with a UK Supreme Court ruling from April 16, 2025, which defined a woman legally by biological sex under the Equality Act. The ruling impacts public spaces, dictating that trans women should not use women’s facilities.

As explained by the Equality Human Rights Commission, this sets a precedent limiting trans people’s access to gendered spaces.

The decision sparked widespread controversy, with over 1,000 cultural figures signing an open letter condemning the ruling for failing to protect trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals from discrimination.

Artists and Industry Unite in Trans Community Solidarity

Many prominent musicians, including Charli XCX, Self Esteem, and Wolf Alice, have publicly supported trans rights and signed solidarity letters addressing the repercussions of the ruling.

Other notable supporters include Scissor Sisters, Perfume Genius, Garbage, Rachel Chinouriri, JADE, Lambrini Girls, and Billy Bragg, among others, all emphasizing the need for inclusion and respect within the music industry.

Download Festival 2025: Lineup and Details

The upcoming Download Festival will take place at Donington Park, Leicestershire, from June 13-15. This year’s headliners include Green Day, Sleep Token, and KoRn, all making their first appearances as main acts.

The lineup also boasts names such as Weezer, the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Jimmy Eat World, and Poppy, promising a dynamic and diverse musical experience.

Watch Witch Fever’s Powerful ‘DEAD TO ME!’ Video

Experience the vibrant energy of Witch Fever with their official video below:

Wrapping Up

This debate over trans toilet access at Download Festival highlights a larger struggle between legal frameworks and the fight for dignity and safe spaces for transgender individuals. As artists and fans continue to voice concerns, the hope remains that festival policies will evolve to foster inclusion rather than exclusion.

FAQs About Download Festival’s Trans Bathroom Policy

• What is the current toilet access policy for trans fans at Download Festival?
  Trans women are not allowed to use women’s facilities, and trans men are not permitted to use men’s facilities, following UK legal guidance.
• Why has this policy caused controversy?
  It forces trans people to use bathrooms that don't align with their gender identity, risking outing and creating unsafe situations.
• Who has publicly opposed the policy?
  Artists like Witch Fever, NOAHFINNCE, Pinkshift, and many others in the music community have criticized the policy.
• What legal ruling influenced this policy?
  The UK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling defined womanhood based on biological sex under the Equality Act.
• Will the policy affect Download Festival 2025?
  Yes, the policy will apply unless changed, impacting how trans attendees access bathroom facilities.

Don’t miss out on representing your favorite bands—shop unique album cover posters at our store and celebrate the music you love with style!