DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2025: THE LINE-UP, THE HYPE AND WHAT TO EXPECT!

Download Festival 2025 is coming in HOT, and the lineup has already sent shockwaves through the rock and metal world. We’ve got legendary headliners, unexpected throwbacks, and a sea of rising stars ready to melt faces at Donington Park from June 13-15. So, let’s dive into what’s in store!

THE BIG THREE

Green Day – Punk Royalty Returns The kings of pop-punk are gracing Donington with their presence, and honestly, it's about time! With a discography spanning decades, we can expect anthem after anthem, from Basket Case to American Idiot. Given their history of high-energy performances and Billie Joe’s undeniable charisma, this set is going to be pure chaos – in the best way possible.

Sleep Token – The Cult Phenomenon Arguably one of the most intriguing bands of the modern era, Sleep Token are bringing their haunting, genre-bending sound to Download. If you caught them at previous shows, you’ll know their set is an experience rather than just a performance.

Korn – The Nu-Metal Kings If there’s ever a band that defines the raw, gritty sound of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, it’s Korn. Jonathan Davis and the crew are set to bring their spine-rattling breakdowns, with classics like Freak on a Leash and Blind guaranteeing some of the biggest pits of the weekend.

MUST-SEE BANDS & RISING STARS

Aside from the mammoth headliners, this year’s lineup is stacked with gems. Here are a few you cannot miss:

🔥 Poppy – The queen of avant-garde weirdness meets metal? Yes, please. Expect the unexpected.

🔥 Kim Dracula – With a genre-defying sound that blends metal, pop, and experimental elements, Kim Dracula is pushing boundaries and challenging musical norms. Their live shows are as unpredictable as they are exhilarating.

🔥 Zetra – This duo crafts a unique blend of synth-driven, goth-infused metal that creates an immersive and atmospheric live experience.

🔥 Jinjer – Ukraine’s finest metal export, fronted by the powerhouse that is Tatiana Shmayluk. If you haven’t seen her switch from angelic clean vocals to demonic growls in real-time, prepare for your jaw to hit the festival floor.

🔥 President – One of the most highly anticipated comebacks of the year! This enigmatic band recently emerged from the shadows. You won’t want to miss their performance. I covered the full story of their forthcoming in my article here: President: The band that's definitely not here to confuse you (okay, maybe they are).

For Those Who Like to Party

🎸 Weezer – Nerd rock royalty. Come for Buddy Holly, stay for Say It Ain’t So (or, let’s be honest, just stay because it’s fun).

🎸 Jimmy Eat World – You know The Middle. You’ve screamed The Middle at some point in your life. Do it again, but this time, in a field with thousands of like-minded emo souls.

🎸 Steel Panther – The most inappropriate band you’ll ever see, and you’ll love every second of it. Expect 80s glam, ridiculous guitar solos, and jokes that’ll make your nan faint.

For the Mosh Pit Warriors & Those Who Like It Heavy

🤘 Bullet For My Valentine – If you’re not windmilling your arms during Tears Don’t Fall, what are you even doing?

🤘 Spiritbox – Courtney LaPlante’s voice goes from angelic to demonic in 0.2 seconds. Holy Roller live will send people into another dimension.

🤘 Meshuggah – Bring a calculator because the time signatures will break your brain. It’s like watching cyborgs play metal.

🤘 Power Trip – If you’ve got any pent-up rage, this set is where you leave it. Expect absolute carnage.

Legends & Wildcards You Probably Shouldn’t Ignore

⚡ Sex Pistols (feat. Frank Carter) – Punk history in the flesh. Frank Carter taking on vocal duties? Expect chaos, stage dives, and possibly a riot.

⚡ Within Temptation – If you want cinematic, theatrical, symphonic METAL, this is it. Sharon den Adel’s vocals will physically lift you into the heavens.

⚡ Opeth – If you like your metal weird, progressive, and slightly terrifying, grab a drink and strap in for a wild ride.

⚡ Cradle of Filth – Dani Filth screeching into the night? Absolutely iconic. Gothic horror meets extreme metal. If you like vampires, corsets, and riffs that could summon demons, this is your jam.

2024'S HIGHS & LOWS - A RECAP

The Highs

✅ Parkway Drive: The Australian metalcore band delivered a secret set on the Dogtooth Stage, marking one of the festival's most memorable surprise performances.

✅ Enter Shikari: Making their main stage debut, Enter Shikari brought high energy and political commentary, delivering a performance filled with passion and intensity... and a ton of mud!

✅ Festival vibes on point – Despite some mud, (okay, lots of mud) spirits were high, and the energy was infectious. You didn’t even need a personal trainer—the festival itself provided cardio.

The Lows

❌ Queuepocalypse – Bar and merch lines were ridiculous (please, Download gods, fix this in 2025!).

❌ Weather roulette – We had sunburn AND trench foot within 24 hours. But to be fair, it's not the festival's fault – just the unpredictability of British weather playing its favourite game: “Guess What’s Next!” Spoiler alert: it’s usually mud.

Despite these challenges, Download Festival 2024 was celebrated for its diverse lineup and the resilience of both artists and fans in creating memorable experiences.

SURVIVAL TIPS: HOW NOT TO DIE (OR CRY) AT DOWNLOAD

Boots over trainers – You will regret bringing anything white.
Bring a flag for your tent – Finding it at 3 AM after a few pints? Nightmare.
Baby wipes = lifesavers – Showers? Overrated.
Eat something green – Your body will thank you. (But let’s be real, a week long chips and gravy diet are inevitable.)
Rain Poncho/Waterproof Gear – Weather is unpredictable, so come prepared for rain with a poncho or waterproof jacket. You’ll stay dry and still be able to rock out without worrying about your outfit getting soaked.

FOOD & ATTRACTIONS

Download isn't just about the music – the food scene is next level. Expect the return of fan-favourite Mac n’ Cheese Bar, “Doom Burgers” for the vegan metalheads, and those legendary Yorkshire pudding wraps. Plus, the Wrestling Ring, Circus of Horrors, and the Heavy Metal Market will be back in action!

WHAT YOU'LL EXPECT TO SEE FROM MY CHANNELS

If I get the honour and have the possibility of covering Download Festival 2025, expect my channels to be packed with live updates, chaotic energy, and all the Download madness, including and more. I’ll be sharing live updates across social media with behind-the-scenes action, from Instagram stories to TikTok fun and live tweets, bringing you the chaos firsthand—whether it’s people throwing down some questionable dance moves, crowd-surfers defying the odds while holding pints, or daring festival-goers jumping into the pit with questionable footwear! I'll also dive into exclusive food and drink offerings, from luxurious VIP bites to possibly questionable festival food and drink options that might just be worth their weight in glitter and chaos. Your input matters too! With polls and AMA's, you'll decide what I cover—whether it's tracking down the person with the biggest mohawk or figuring out how many sausages are too many at the food stalls. And let's not forget Download's one-of-a-kind fashion, where I'll spotlight the best-dressed festival-goers, from DIY band tees to inflatable T-Rex suits that somehow manage to stage dive without disaster. I'll be on the lookout for wild signs, tattoos, and costumes, and handing out virtual high-fives to those who catch everyone's attention with their bold outfits. And of course, spontaneous mosh pit dance-offs—because at Download, anything goes!

Get ready for a weekend filled with killer bands, muddy chaos, and possibly the best food you’ll ever eat at a festival. Also, if you’re seeing someone in a banana unicorn costume, that’s probably me.

So, what’s your Download 2025 must-see band? Or are you already planning your costume for the “Best Dressed” challenge? Hit me up, and let’s get this mosh pit of excitement started! 🤘🔥

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2025: THE LINE-UP, THE HYPE AND WHAT TO EXPECT! - PART 1