Anticipation is building in the rock and metal community as Download Festival, one of the UK’s most iconic music events, gears up for its landmark 23rd edition at Donington Park. With the first wave of the 2026 line-up set to be unveiled on Monday, November 3, 2025, fans are already speculating about which legendary acts will grace the stage, and how the festival will continue its tradition of delivering unforgettable musical moments.
The excitement was officially set in motion when subscribers to the Download Family newsletter received a message confirming the date of the much-anticipated announcement. The email, as reported by Planet Rock and Kerrang!, read: “Your DLXXIII line-up will be served on Monday 3rd November. The countdown is officially on! See you soon…” For many, this confirmation marks the start of a new season of speculation, debate, and hope as the community waits to discover which bands will headline the festival’s storied Apex Stage.
Download Festival 2026, also referred to as DLXXIII, will run from Wednesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 14, 2026. The festival’s home, Donington Park, has long been synonymous with rock history, having hosted both Download and its predecessor, Monsters of Rock, since the 1980s. Over the years, the event has become a pilgrimage for music fans, drawing crowds from around the world to witness performances from the biggest names in the business.
This year’s announcement carries a particular sense of intrigue, as it will be the second festival curated by Kamran Haq. Haq, who took over the role of festival booker from Andy Copping—himself a legend after two decades at the helm—has already left a mark. Reflecting on his debut year, Haq shared on Instagram, “Download this year was a big deal for me as it was my first year being at the helm and heading up the festival. Loads of exciting things planned for 2026, we’ve already got some incredible headliners locked in! #downloadfestival” According to Planet Rock, Haq’s enthusiasm and fresh vision have been warmly received, with fans eager to see how he will shape the festival’s evolving legacy.
While the line-up remains under wraps until November, Download’s history provides ample fuel for speculation. The festival’s reputation for securing top-tier talent is well-earned, as evidenced by a recent ranking of the greatest Donington headliners of all time, compiled by Planet Rock listeners. The list reads like a who’s who of rock royalty, with Iron Maiden topping the chart. The British heavy metal titans first headlined Monsters of Rock in 1988 and 1992, and have since returned to Download Festival in 2003, 2007, 2013, 2016, and 2022.
Other legends to have headlined Donington include AC/DC, who played Monsters of Rock in 1981, 1984, and 1991, before headlining Download in 2010; Metallica, with appearances at Monsters of Rock in 1995 and multiple Download headlining slots in 2004, 2006, 2012, and twice in 2023; and Rammstein, who brought their explosive live show to Download in 2013 and 2016. Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, and KISS also feature prominently in the Donington pantheon, each leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s legacy.
The festival’s enduring appeal lies not just in its ability to attract legendary acts, but also in its vibrant community. Following the 2025 event, Download’s organizers released an official aftermovie, accompanied by a heartfelt message to fans: “This is for you, the Downloaders. You were magnificent. You are the heart and soul of the festival. Thank you for bringing the love, the energy and the joy to Donington for five days of incredible music and countless iconic moments, shared with the best community on the planet. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. We can’t wait to see you next year.” As reported by Kerrang!, this sentiment underscores the festival’s unique atmosphere, where music and camaraderie go hand in hand.
Looking back, the roll call of past headliners reads like a timeline of rock’s evolution. ZZ Top, System of a Down, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, The Prodigy, Muse, Status Quo, Bon Jovi, Linkin Park, Rainbow, Whitesnake—all have played pivotal roles in shaping the festival’s soundscape. Each year, the announcement of new headliners sparks debates and discussions among fans, with many hoping for the return of old favorites or the debut of long-awaited acts.
The transition from Andy Copping to Kamran Haq as booker marks a new chapter for Download. Copping’s tenure was defined by bold choices and a knack for blending classic acts with contemporary stars. Haq, for his part, has promised “loads of exciting things” for 2026, and his early success suggests a willingness to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. According to Planet Rock, Haq’s statement that “we’ve already got some incredible headliners locked in” has only added to the fervor.
For many, the festival is more than just a series of concerts—it’s a rite of passage, a gathering of like-minded souls united by their love of music. The Donington grounds have witnessed countless memorable moments, from pyrotechnic-laden performances to rain-soaked singalongs. The sense of community is palpable, with fans—affectionately known as Downloaders—returning year after year to reconnect with friends and discover new favorites.
As the November 3 announcement approaches, speculation is running wild. Will Iron Maiden return to cement their status as Donington’s greatest headliner? Might Metallica or AC/DC make another triumphant appearance? Or will Haq surprise everyone with a bold new choice, ushering in a fresh era for the festival? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Download Festival 2026 is shaping up to be another unmissable chapter in the event’s storied history.
With just a month to go before the first line-up reveal, the countdown is officially on. Fans, both seasoned veterans and first-timers, are marking their calendars and preparing for what promises to be five days of musical magic at Donington Park. As the festival’s organizers put it, “See you soon…”
