Music lovers, get ready for an electrifying experience at Download Festival 2025! The highly anticipated metal and rock festival will return to Donington Park, Leicestershire, from June 13 to June 15, marking its 22nd edition. As one of the most iconic heavy music festivals, Download continues to bring together legendary acts and emerging talents, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for rock and metal fans worldwide.
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Headliners and Main Acts Announced
Towards the end of 2024, the festival organizers revealed an impressive initial lineup, featuring Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn as headliners. Joining them on stage are major names such as Weezer, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Jimmy Eat World, Poppy, Loathe, Jerry Cantrell, McFly, Within Temptation, Eagles Of Death Metal, The Darkness, Spiritbox, Meshuggah, Steel Panther, Cradle Of Filth, and Alien Ant Farm.
Earlier this week, even more artists were confirmed, expanding the already star-studded lineup. New additions include Rise Against, Hatebreed, Kids In Glass Houses, Opeth, Myles Kennedy, Shinedown, AWOLNATION, Power Trip, Palaye Royale, Municipal Waste, and Crossfaith. The latest announcement has only fueled the excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
Daily Lineup Breakdown
For those eager to plan their festival experience, the official day splits for Download Festival 2025 have now been released:
- Friday, June 13: Green Day takes the stage as the main headliner, with supporting performances by Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Rise Against, Boston Manor, McFly, Opeth, and Myles Kennedy.
- Saturday, June 14: Sleep Token will headline, marking their first major festival headline performance. The masked metallers will be joined by The Darkness, Shinedown, Poppy, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, and Cradle Of Filth.
- Sunday, June 15: Korn will close out the festival, with additional performances from Meshuggah, Spiritbox, Bullet For My Valentine, Jerry Cantrell, and Jinjer.
Tickets for the festival are selling fast, and fans are encouraged to secure their passes as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Download Festival’s Commitment to New Talent
In an interview with NME, festival organizer Andy Copping emphasized Download’s dedication to supporting emerging bands. “I’ve always wanted to create a platform for new talent, and you can see that in how we’ve developed stages like Dogtooth and Avalanche,” he explained. “We also focus on the Opus stage and Apex stage, providing opportunities for up-and-coming bands to showcase their music. We believe in them, and this festival is their chance to shine.”
A Look Back at Download Festival 2024
The previous edition of Download Festival, held in 2024, was headlined by Queens Of The Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold. Despite challenges, including difficulties in securing headliners and concerns over weather conditions, the festival delivered a spectacular event. NME gave it a four-star review, noting that “against the odds, Download 2024 proved to be one of the most promising editions in recent memory, setting the stage for future headlining acts.”
Final Thoughts
With its stellar lineup, diverse mix of rock and metal legends, and dedication to emerging talent, Download Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions yet. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time attendee, this festival promises an unforgettable weekend of live music, high-energy performances, and a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it—grab your tickets now!
