Download Festival has announced the launch of the official Download Google+ channel, with a double header of Google+ Hangouts with Cancer Bats and Young Guns.

Hardcore punk rockers Cancer Bats are up first and will chat to fans on Thursday 7 March, at 7pm GMT, with British rock superstars Young Guns scheduled for Tuesday 26 March, at 7pm GMT. More Download Google + Hangouts to be announced soon.

Google+ Hangouts allow people to chat face-to-face with anyone from across the globe with an Internet connection, while thousands can tune in to watch the conversation live on Google+ or YouTube. These Google+ Hangouts will be an opportunity for Download’s passionate audience to chat with their favourite bands from this year’s line up. Each band will participate in an exclusive fan Q&A, chatting to eight lucky fans who will be selected by the Download team.

Cancer Bats said: "YOOOOOOO we're gonna be hanging to the max via the interweb on the 7th at 7pm GMT come and digitally party with us!"

Young Guns added: “We're incredibly excited to share the stage with a number of bands we grew up listening to, it's definitely one of our favourite festivals to play! Make sure to come and chill with us at the Google + hangout, we're always up for having a chat with our fans. Feel free to ask us anything!”

To be considered for the Cancer Bats Google+ Hangout, Download Google+ fans must submit one question via Twitter using the hashtag #DownloadAsks and official Twitter profile @downloadfest. The best entries will then be shortlisted and selected fans will be invited to join their favourite bands on the live G+.  The deadline to submit questions to Cancer Bats is midday on Tuesday 5 March. To find out more visit downloadfestival.co.uk. Details for Young Guns to be announced shortly.

All Google+ Hangouts will be embedded on the Download website and simultaneously broadcast via the new official Download Google+ page and popular Download YouTube channel.

The Download Google+ Hangout series marks a continuation of Download Festival’s engagement with their fans via digital and social media. Download Festival has received various awards over the years for their website and active online community. Their festival forum has been particularly acclaimed, notably winning ‘Best Music Community’ twice at the BT Digital Music Awards. Download has an active Twitter audience who engage extensively with the official Twitter profile, as well speaking directly with festival promoter Andy Copping.

Download’s Andy Copping stated: ‘Google+ Hangout’s are an incredible way for us to engage with our audience. We're really excited to be using them to bring fans closer to artists and their music and can't wait to get started.  

Download Festival 2013 takes place at Donington Park from Fri 14th to Sun 16th June

Tickets available from here