Leicestershire Police have released an image of a man officers wish to identify following an alleged indecency incident at Download Festival 2026.
The investigation relates to a report of two people allegedly behaving inappropriately while riding the Ferris wheel at the festival’s Donington Park site on Saturday 13 June.
Police confirmed that a woman has already been identified and voluntarily interviewed in connection with the incident. Officers are now appealing for help from the public as they attempt to identify the man pictured in the released image.
🚨 Officers Ask Festival-Goers for Help
Download Festival attracts tens of thousands of rock and metal fans to Donington Park every year, meaning plenty of people may have been in or around the fairground area when the alleged incident took place.
Police are asking anyone who recognises the man—or who believes they may have information that could assist the investigation—to contact them directly.
Anyone with information should contact PC 39 Georgia Wood by calling 101 or through the Leicestershire Police online reporting service.
Those getting in touch should quote crime reference:
26*346427
📱 Avoid Social-Media Speculation
Although stories from festival weekends can spread across Facebook, TikTok and group chats faster than a campsite rumour about a secret band, this remains an active police investigation.
Members of the public should therefore avoid naming individuals, sharing unverified claims or attempting to conduct their own online investigation.
Anyone with genuine information should pass it directly to Leicestershire Police so officers can establish the full circumstances surrounding the report.
🖤 The Riff Report Says
Download is supposed to be about huge riffs, muddy boots, questionable food purchases and trying to remember where you pitched your tent after twelve hours in the arena.
Festival chaos might be part of the weekend, but alleged behaviour that results in a police investigation is a different matter entirely.
The fairest and most responsible course of action is to allow officers to carry out their enquiries without speculation or an online witch hunt.
Anyone who witnessed the incident—or who can assist with identifying the man in the police appeal—is urged to contact Leicestershire Police.
Call 101 and quote crime number 26*346427.
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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