DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
The hollowed grounds of Castle Donington – home to the UK’s premier rock festival.
THE HOLLOWED GROUNDS
Download Festival is the UK’s premier rock and metal festival, bringing together the biggest names in rock, metal, punk and alternative music. Since launching in 2003, the festival has become a cornerstone of the UK live music calendar, welcoming tens of thousands of fans to Donington Park every year.
Known for its iconic headline performances, diverse lineups and unforgettable atmosphere, Download continues to be a bucket-list festival for rock and metal fans. From legendary reunion shows to breakthrough performances from the next generation of artists, Download remains one of the most important festivals in the world of heavy music.
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).
WHEN DO 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
LINEUP
Download is yet to review their acts for 2027, with the lineup typically being announced in October/November.
Rumours across the Download community suggest headliners could include some of the following: Deftones, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Slipknot, Faith No More, System of a Down and My Chemical Romance.
ACCOMODATION
Download Festival offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and festival experiences:
- 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 to help make the weekend as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Whether you want the full festival atmosphere or a more comfortable weekend away, Download has accommodation options to suit every type of fan.
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.