The UK’s premier rock and metal festival, Download Festival, is back with a bang for its 23rd edition in 2026. Taking place at the iconic Donington Park in Leicestershire from June 10–14, the festival has unveiled a monumental lineup featuring over 90 acts across five days of electrifying performances.
A Legendary Trio of Headliners
Leading the charge are three acts that represent different eras and styles within the world of heavy music. On Friday, June 12, nu-metal pioneers Limp Bizkit will take the stage, marking their first-ever headline appearance at Download. Frontman Fred Durst and co. are set to deliver a nostalgic mosh-pit frenzy, celebrating their enduring influence on the genre.
Saturday, June 13 belongs to rock legends Guns N’ Roses, who continue their global dominance with their timeless catalog of hits. With Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan still delivering powerhouse performances, fans can expect an unforgettable night of classic anthems like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”
Closing the festival on Sunday, June 14 is Linkin Park, making history as the first female-fronted band to headline Download. The band, now led by Emily Armstrong, has redefined itself while honoring its legacy, blending nu-metal roots with fresh energy. This marks their first headline appearance at the festival since reforming in 2024 and signals a new chapter for the band.
A Genre-Spanning Extravaganza
Beyond the headliners, Download 2026 offers a diverse array of talent spanning rock, metal, punk, and beyond. Heavyweights like Trivium, Architects, and Mastodon bring their signature intensity, while crossover acts such as Cypress Hill, Pendulum, and Feeder add variety to the bill. Fans of extreme metal won’t want to miss Behemoth, Blood Incantation, and Static-X, while pop-punk enthusiasts can look forward to sets from The All-American Rejects and The Pretty Reckless.
Special mentions go to Tom Morello, bringing his solo project to Donington Park, and Dogstar, the band fronted by Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, whose appearance is sure to draw added attention.
Historic Firsts and Returning Favorites
This year’s edition also features several notable milestones. For instance, Sepultura will perform their seminal album Chaos A.D. in full—a treat for longtime fans of the Brazilian thrash pioneers. Meanwhile, BABYMETAL returns with their unique fusion of J-pop and metal, promising high-energy theatrics.
For those seeking underground gems, bands like Ice Nine Kills, Electric Callboy, and Scene Queen offer innovative sounds that push the boundaries of modern heavy music.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Download Festival 2026 are already on sale through the official website (downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets). Options include weekend passes with camping, hotel packages, and single-day tickets. Given the festival’s reputation for selling out quickly, early booking is highly recommended.
With its 2026 lineup, Download continues to honor its roots while embracing evolution. From Limp Bizkit’s return to Linkin Park’s groundbreaking headline slot, this edition promises to be both nostalgic and forward-thinking—a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.
Full Lineup Announced So Far (Alphabetical Order):
Ankor
Architects
As Everything Unfolds
As It Is
Ash
BABYMETAL
Bad Omens
Behemoth
Black Veil Brides
Blood Incantation
Bloodywood
Boundaries
Bush
Catch Your Breath
Cavalera
Corrosion Of Conformity
Cypress Hill
Decapitated
Die Spitz
Dinosaur Pile-Up
Dogstar
Drain
Drowning Pool
Ego Kill Talent
Elder
Electric Callboy
Feeder
Gatecreeper
Guns N' Roses (HEADLINER)
Halestorm
Headwreck
Hollywood Undead
Holywater
Ice Nine Kills
Imminence
Ivri
James And The Cold Gun
Kublai Khan TX
Lake Malice
Lakeview
Landmvrks
Last Train
Letlive.
Limp Bizkit (HEADLINER)
Linkin Park (HEADLINER)
Lowen
Magnolia Park
Mammoth
Mastodon
Melrose Avenue
Mouth Culture
Nasty
Native James
Nevertel
P.O.D.
Paleface Swiss
Pendulum
Periphery
Pussyliquor
Rain City Drive
Return To Dust
RØRY
Scene Queen
Self Deception
Set It Off
Silent Planet
Slay Squad
Sleep Theory
Snot
Social Distortion
South Arcade
Spineshank
Spitting Glass
Static-X
Story Of The Year
Sweet Pill
Sweet Savage
Tailgunner
The All-American Rejects
The Plot In You
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Wild
Thornhill
Those Damn Crows
Thrown
Tom Morello
Trivium
Tropic Gold
TX2
Unpeople
Vianova
Wayside
We Came As Romans
Zero 9:36
Download Festival 2026 promises a historic lineup with Linkin Park’s first female-fronted headline set, alongside Guns N’ Roses and Limp Bizkit, plus performances from Trivium, Architects, Cypress Hill, and more.