Go to www.downloadfestival.co.uk for all the information you need on dates and the latest additions to the lineup.
Decide whether you wish to stay overnight at the festival. The atmosphere at the festival after the music has finished each night is thought by some to be one of the best things about the festival.
Choose what kind of accommodation you wish to stay in. While normal camping is available, Download Festival offers a variety of VIP alternatives including cabins, a hotel and already pitched tents. Details of these alternatives can be found at www.downloadfestival.co.uk/rip.
Buy your chosen tickets for the festival. This can be done by going to www.downloadfestival.co.uk, and clicking on the link "tickets". Here you can select whether you wish to buy regular tickets, or purchase from the VIP selection.
Plan transport to and from the festival. A variety of options are available. Click on the link "travel information" for detailed information.
Research the lineup in advance and make a rough plan of which bands you wish to see. A few days in advance of the festival specific stage times for each band will be released.