Download, and The Heavy Metal Truants will launch the Download 20 Auction on 29 June 2023. The auction will be for rare and priceless memorabilia, which will be auctioned off to support four children’s charities, Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, Childline, and Save The Children.
“This is about the rock and metal community coming together to do something that is truly amazing,” says founding Download Festival organiser Andy Copping. “The response we’ve had from artists and people behind the scenes has been truly phenomenal, and I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve put together.”
The auction has already been promised special items from bands, including Avenged Sevenfold, Bring Me The Horizon, David Coverdale, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Muse and System Of A Down, to name a few.
Now in their eleventh year, The Heavy Metal Truants, co-founded by Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood and ex-Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas in 2013, have so far raised £1.2 million via their annual 150-mile cycle ride from London to Donington Park.
They also organise events, auctions and raffles in addition to virtual challenges, which allow walkers, runners, and cyclists to participate no matter where they are in the world.
“The Heavy Metal Truants is a great way for the rock and Metal community to come together and help disadvantaged children,” Rod Smallwood said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan, if you’re in the industry or in a band, you can make a difference by helping to improve the lives of kids and young people by joining us or supporting these activities, and that counts for a lot.”
“The Download 20 Auction is about history,” adds Alexander Milas said. “Over 20 years, Andy Copping and all at Download have left an indelible mark on this genre of music. Good luck to the bidders. Please bid generously and often!”
You can find out more about the Heavy Metal Truants at https://heavymetaltruants.com.
