Witch Fever Urges Download Festival to Rethink Transphobic EHRC Guidelines

Witch Fever calls on Download Festival to clarify stance on trans inclusivity amid concerns over ambiguous and transphobic EHRC guidelines.

Controversy Surrounds Download Festival’s Trans Inclusivity Policy

Witch Fever has spoken out, urging Download Festival to reconsider its recent statement regarding the implementation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance on toilet facilities for trans people. The festival, a staple event in the rock and metal scene, will take place at Donington Park, Leicestershire, from June 13th to 15th. This year’s lineup boasts first-time headliners like Green Day, Sleep Token, and KoRn, alongside other big names including Weezer, Sex Pistols with Frank Carter, Jimmy Eat World, Poppy, Loathe, and Jerry Cantrell.

However, the attention shifted from the music to the festival’s policy after screenshots of an email revealed that Download plans to follow interim EHRC guidelines issued on April 25, 2025. The guidance 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 statement ignited a storm of criticism from artists and fans alike.

Artists Speak Out Against Festival’s Toilet Policy

Several artists, such as NOAHFINNCE, Zand, Pinkshift, and Witch Fever, publicly condemned the festival’s adherence to these guidelines. Witch Fever described the policy as:

“A complete fuckin’ tragedy.”

Harpy, who is also performing at Download this year, mentioned reaching out to the festival team to encourage collaboration with someone representing the trans community to find better, more inclusive solutions moving forward.

Download Festival’s Response: Gender Neutral Toilets and Apology

In response to the backlash, Download Festival released a statement assuring fans that the majority of their toilets will be gender neutral, alongside some single-sex options:

“At the heart of Download is acceptance – we stand with all members of our community and want everyone to feel safe, supported and welcome at the festival. We want to reassure all of our customers that at Download, the majority of toilets will be gender neutral and available to all. There will also be single sex toilets provided. Download Festival has always been and remains for everyone.”

They also apologized for any confusion caused by the earlier communication and expressed eagerness to welcome everyone at this year’s event.

Download Festival stands with its community

Witch Fever Demands Clearer Commitment to Trans Inclusivity

Despite the festival’s reassurance, Witch Fever remains unconvinced by the statement and pushed for more transparency around how the EHRC guidelines will be enforced:

“If the single sex toilets still follow the EHRC guidelines this is not good enough.”

The band questioned the practicalities of enforcing such guidance:

• Will chromosome tests be administered?
• On what basis will compliance be judged?
• Who decides the criteria?
• Will trans men be allowed in the ladies’ facilities?

They warned that this approach risks harm to gender non-conforming individuals and women alike:

“This is a dangerous rhetoric to take and not only harmful to all GNC people but all women, regardless of their gender assigned at birth.”

They stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for queer people and condemned the potential exclusion and policing that comes with following these guidelines.

Artists Echo Calls for Transparency and Inclusivity

Other artists have voiced similar concerns. NOAHFINNCE revealed he had been in direct contact with Download but felt the issue hadn’t been fully addressed:

"(Btw I hadn’t seen their 'statement' at the time of writing this tweet... still don’t feel like the issue at hand has ACTUALLY been addressed...)"

Zand also criticized the festival’s statement on Instagram, pointing out the vagueness about whether trans attendees could use toilets matching their gender identity:

"There is nothing clear about this... Please can you confirm transparently whether your festival will adhere to the previous statement that said the festival will adhere to EHRC guidelines? It's important now more than ever to state clearly that transphobic guidelines will NOT be enforced."

Legal Background and Wider Industry Responses

The EHRC’s guidance relates to the UK Supreme Court ruling from April 16, 2025, which defined legal womanhood by biological sex under the Equality Act. According to this ruling, trans women should not use women’s facilities in public places.

Many leaders in the UK cultural sector have expressed reluctance to police restroom use strictly based on this ruling, aiming to avoid discrimination. The BBC reported immense hesitancy among cultural leaders to enforce these anti-trans regulations.

Numerous music industry figures like Scissor Sisters, Perfume Genius, Garbage, Rachel Chinouriri, JADE, Lambrini Girls, and Billy Bragg, as well as stars like Charli XCX, Self Esteem, and Wolf Alice, have publicly supported the trans community and signed open letters promoting solidarity.

Final Thoughts on Inclusivity at Download Festival

Witch Fever’s impassioned plea highlights the real concerns trans and queer attendees face regarding safety and acceptance at major music events. The band’s call for Download Festival to reject restrictive guidelines and embrace a truly inclusive spirit echoes a broader push within the music community for more compassion and clarity.

“Please don’t jump on the culture war against trans people. Please make Download an inclusive and safe environment for all. We have loved playing your festival and want it to continue being a safe place for all to attend.” – Witch Fever

FAQs About Download Festival’s Trans Inclusivity Policy

• How is Download Festival addressing concerns about trans inclusivity?
  The festival has committed to offering mostly gender-neutral toilets alongside single-sex options, aiming to create a safe space for all attendees.
• What are the EHRC guidelines related to toilet use?
  They currently advise that trans women should not use women’s facilities and trans men should not use men’s facilities, based on biological sex.
• Why are artists upset about the guidelines?
  Many feel the guidelines are transphobic, ambiguous, and could lead to unsafe or discriminatory enforcement practices at the festival.
• Has the festival committed to not enforcing these EHRC guidelines?
  So far, the festival has not explicitly rejected the guidelines, prompting calls for clearer communication and commitment to inclusivity.
• How can fans support trans inclusivity at festivals?
  By voicing concerns respectfully, supporting queer artists, and encouraging event organizers to adopt clear, affirming policies for all attendees.

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