DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
The hollowed grounds of Castle Donington – home to Download Festival, the UK’s premier rock festival.
THE HOLLOWED GROUNDS
The hollowed grounds of Donington Park, home to Download Festival, the UK’s premier rock and metal gathering. Bringing together the biggest names in rock, metal, punk and alternative music, Download has been the biggest name in the UK rock and metal scene since launching in 2003, welcoming tens of thousands of fans every year to its legendary location.
The largest rock and metal festival in the UK, download welcomes headline performances from the biggest names in the scene with diverse lineups and an unforgettable atmosphere. Download continues to be a bucket-list festival for rock and metal fans. From legendary performances to breakthrough artists, Download remains one of the most important festivals in the world of heavy music.
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2027 LINEUP
Download is yet to reveal its lineup for 2027, with the announcement typically taking place either in late October or early to mid-November.
Download Festival tends to send out an email making fans aware that they are taking early bird tickets off sale close to this date, with social media and communications often following soon after with an announcement date.
This usually gives fans the first real indication that the lineup announcement is getting closer, with Download starting to build anticipation across its social media channels before revealing when the lineup will be announced.
If Download follows a similar pattern for 2027, we could see the first signs of an announcement towards the end of October, before the lineup is eventually revealed in early or mid-November.
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2027 LINEUP RUMOURS
There are already plenty of names being thrown around by Download fans across the forums and social media, although it is still far too early to say which bands are genuinely in contention. There are a few that are high on people’s wish lists and some that may already be a strong bet.
Here is our roundup of some of the Download Festival 2027 lineup rumours, and as we get closer to the expected announcement period, tour dates and other festival appearances (especially those across Europe) will give us a strong idea of which bands could realistically appear at Download in 2027 and those we can consider nailed on.
STRONGLY RUMOURED:
Blink-182
At the top of every list of download festival 2027 lineup rumours is Blink-182. It seems like a bit of a no brainer at this point really.
The band have already confirmed several European dates and festival appearances for summer 2027, including Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Germany on June 4-6. They will then play Berlin on June 8, before heading to Milan on June 13 and Paris on June 15.
That leaves a noticeable gap around Download Festival, which takes place from June 9-13. Rock am Ring and Rock im Park take place the week before Download, and the band’s other European dates surround the festival.
On top of this, there are interviews with Download Festival booker Kamran Haq, who took over from Andy Copping in 2025, stating that they had booked a headliner who has never played Download before. Blink fit the bill perfectly, and we would certainly place bets on them being there for the first time.
Bring Me The Horizon
Bring Me The Horizon are another band we think could be in the running for Download Festival 2027.
The Sheffield band have already headlined Download and have continued to grow into one of the UK’s biggest rock acts. Their history with the festival makes them an obvious name to consider whenever the next Download lineup is being discussed, and their recent re-release of Count Your Blessing would make a massive impact if they were to return.
Whether Download would bring them back so soon after their 2023 headline set remains to be seen, but they would certainly have the profile to headline again.
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters feel like another strong possibility for Download Festival 2027. Again, another band who have somehow never graced the hallowed grounds of Donington Park.
The band have already headlined every other large UK festival and remain one of the biggest rock bands in the world, making them an obvious choice if they are planning UK or European festival appearances next summer.
There is nothing confirmed at the moment, but they are a name that makes sense for Download and one we will be keeping an eye on as more 2027 touring news emerges.
System Of A Down
System Of A Down are clearly one of the most exciting bands in the world right now, with two huge dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium behind them, it may be time for their long-awaited return.
They have a long history with the festival, having headlined Download in 2017, and being slated to headline the festival in 2020 before its cancellation due to the pandemic; we think they owe us a return.
The band have also continued to make festival appearances in recent years, so if their plans bring them back to Europe in summer 2027, Download would be an obvious possibility.
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance would be one of the biggest possible bookings for Download Festival 2027.
The band have returned to playing live shows in 2026 with their Welcome to the Black Parade Anniversary tour and remain the biggest emo band of all time; any festival would be insane not to book them given the chance.
There is currently nothing confirmed linking My Chemical Romance to Donington, but they are a band we think is worth keeping in the conversation as the 2027 festival approaches.
LESS LIKELY, BUT POSSIBLE DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2027 RUMOURS
There are many more bands on the Download Festival 2027 lineup rumour list, although we currently feel they are less likely than the names above. Here are some other possibilities that could make the bill.
Nickelback
Nickelback could be an interesting possibility for Download Festival 2027, particularly with the band working on new music.
A new album would give them a good reason to return to the UK and Europe, and Nickelback have more than enough hits to headline or take a major position on the Download bill.
They are certainly not one to rule out, but for now we’d put them in the less likely category.
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails would be another interesting addition to the Download 2027 lineup.
The band have already shown that they are willing to return to the festival circuit, and their industrial rock sound would give Download another major name with something slightly different to offer.
At this stage, however, there isn’t enough to suggest that they are heading to Donington, so they remain a possibility rather than a strong rumour.
Biffy Clyro
Biffy Clyro have already headlined Download and are another band that could easily fit into the 2027 lineup.
The Scottish rockers remain hugely popular in the UK and have plenty of history with Download, but there is currently little to suggest that another appearance is being lined up.
They are one to keep an eye on, but we’d currently put them below the stronger possibilities.
The Offspring
The Offspring are another band that would make sense for Download Festival 2027.
They have played the festival before and remain a major name within the punk rock scene, making them a realistic option for a higher position on the bill.
However, there is currently no major indication that they are heading to Donington next summer, so for now they remain a less likely possibility.
Slipknot
Slipknot are perhaps the biggest name on our less likely list.
The band have headlined Download several times and would have no problem returning to the top of the bill, but their recent Download appearances make another return in 2027 feel less likely on top of their ongoing drama.
That said, Slipknot can never really be ruled out when it comes to Download, particularly if their touring plans line up with the festival.
WHEN DO DOWNLOAD TICKETS GO ON SALE?
Early bird tickets are now sold out, having gone live at midday on Monday, June 15th 2026. Late bird tickets can now be purchased at a slightly higher price, but are still cheaper than general on-sale tickets that will go live once the initial lineup is announced.
You can get tickets on Ticketmaster here.
Download Family members can stay up to date with the latest news and updates and get priority access to tickets when they go on sale, in addition to some other benefits, including tour discounts, presale access and much more.
You can sign up to the Download Family newsletter here: Sign up
DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL CAMPING
Standard camping
Included with weekend tickets, giving fans the classic festival experience close to the action.
Quiet camping
A more relaxed camping area for those who prefer a quieter place to recharge after a long day.
Luxury camping & glamping
Pre-pitched tents and upgraded accommodation options for a more comfortable festival stay.
RIP camping
Premium camping with additional facilities and a more exclusive experience.
Hotel packages
Options for fans who prefer a proper bed and added comfort away from the campsite.
Campervans & motorhomes
Dedicated areas available for those bringing their own vehicle accommodation.
Accessibility accommodation
Dedicated facilities and support are available for festivalgoers with additional needs, including accessible camping options, viewing areas and assistance services. Applications for accessibility open at a later date, keep an eye on download festivals socials or sign up to their mailing list to stay informed.
GETTING TO DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
Planning your journey to Download Festival? Getting to Donington Park can be confusing. Set your GPS to donnington park, and when you arrive, follow the signs to the car park.
Our advice is to leave early to avoid traffic and get the best camping spot for your group. The area around the festival will be very congested as the festival goes on, so be sure to check travel advice before and during the festival.
Need help planning your journey? Try our festival travel planner
DOWNLOAD 2027 DATES
The dates for next year’s festival have been confirmed. Download 2027 will take place from Wednesday, June 9th to Sunday, June 13th 2027.
For those looking to book time off work, you will want to book from Wednesday the 9th to Monday the 14th of June at the very least (but highly recommend taking a few extra days off).
WHAT TO EXPECT AT DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
Download Festival is more than just a weekend of live music. It’s five days of camping, community and some of the biggest rock and metal performances you’ll find anywhere in the world. Whether you’re spending the entire weekend on-site or visiting for a single day, Download delivers an experience unlike any other UK festival.
Across multiple stages, fans can expect everything from stadium-sized headliners and legendary rock icons to rising alternative bands and underground heavy acts. The Main Stage hosts the festival’s biggest names, while the Avalanche, Dogtooth, Opus and other stages showcase everything from pop punk and hardcore to metalcore, punk and classic rock.
Away from the stages, there’s plenty to explore throughout the arena and campsite. Food vendors offer everything from quick festival favourites to international street food, while bars, official merchandise stalls, funfair rides, entertainment areas and brand activations keep the site buzzing throughout the day. Exclusive festival merchandise and artist-specific items are also available across the weekend.
One of Download’s biggest strengths is its community. Festivalgoers return year after year, creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming, passionate and unlike anywhere else. From massive singalongs and circle pits to campsite traditions and late-night entertainment, Download has built a reputation as one of the friendliest festivals in the UK.
As with any British festival, the weather can change quickly. Donington Park has seen everything from blazing sunshine to heavy rain over the years, so waterproof clothing, sturdy footwear and plenty of layers are always recommended.
TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME DOWNLOAD GOERS
If you’re attending Download Festival for the first time, arriving early can make a huge difference, particularly if you’re camping. It gives you more choice when pitching your tent and plenty of time to get familiar with the site before the music begins.
Once the official set times are released, it’s worth planning your weekend in advance. With multiple stages running throughout the day, deciding which bands are your priorities will help you avoid missing acts you really want to see.
Expect plenty of walking across the weekend, especially between the campsites and arena, so comfortable footwear is essential. A portable phone charger, reusable water bottle and waterproof clothing are also among the most useful items to pack.
Finally, leave yourself time to experience more than just the bands. Explore the festival village, visit the merchandise stands, try some of the food vendors and soak up the unique atmosphere that has made Download Festival a rite of passage for rock and metal fans around the world.
Unsure what you need to bring? Check out our ultimate festival packing guide