The biggest queue by far at Download 2022 had around 250-300 people in it and showed no signs of diminishing in the near future. What were the festival goers queuing for? To get a tattoo at their favourite rock festival.
Michael Kidd, from Newcastle, and Johnny Webb, from Gloucester, had been queuing for about two hours to get into the tattoo tent when we spoke to them and it looked like they would have at least another hour to wait.
It will be a fifth tattoo for Michael done at a Download festival and has become a tradition for him - it was the fourth for Johnny. The process works by people selecting their design from dozens on display but all with a rock and music theme. They range in price from around £50 through to £300.
Michael said: "I am having one that is linked to Kiss, who I am looking forward to seeing tonight as the headliner. Hopefully, we will be out the queue by then. It's something we always aim to do on the first day and then we can relax the rest of the weekend."
Johnny had opted for a Biffy Clyro -linked design and they are headlining on Sunday night. He added: "Also looking forward to seeing Steel Panther but opted for the Scottish-influenced tattoo in honour of Biffy Clyro. Michael's tattoo was £120, while Johnny was paying £140.
Anyone worried about how easy it is to look after a tattoo while out camping for the weekend, need not fear as the on-site tattooist Old Sarum Tattoo and Piercing have an after-care tent for anyone with any concerns over the weekend.
Katie Vyse and Kerry Johnson, both from Bournemouth, were getting Iron Maiden-style tattoos, costing £150 each. Katie said: "It's the first tattoo I have ever had and I am quite nervous but obviously a lot of people are having it done so I am sure it will be ok. We have only just joined the queue so it could be a while yet - at least we can hear the main arena music from here."
A tattooist spokesman confirmed that the wait for a tattoo was in the region of up to four hours and estimated they would be busy all day for the next three days.
