After 16 editions of the premier rock event, Download Festival is now debuting a mindfulness program called Mind The Dog, referencing to their mascot, including meditation, breathing exercises and yoga stretches. 

It’s no secret that mental health has taken a front and center position in the music industry as of lately. Recent losses of artists like Keith Flint of The Prodigy, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, and Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit has sparked much-needed debate, and the spike in albums and songs written about depression and anxiety is a necessary eyeopener.

These artists aren’t alone: one in six people in England report experiencing common mental health issues including anxiety and depression in any given week, and those include visitors of Download Festival. As Festival Republic’s Melvin Benn remarks:

It only made sense to offer an on site programme for mental health, as well as physical. By introducing Mind The Dog this year, we are hoping to provide a mindfulness haven in The Doghouse across the weekend, with meditation, sound baths, and more.

Download Festival will be held June 14th till 16th in Donington Park, UK. 

For more information visit here.