Download Festival 2025 is gearing up for what promises to be one of its most exciting lineups yet, with the recent announcement of 22 new bands joining the bill, including rock heavyweights Shinedown, Myles Kennedy, and Rise Against. The festival is scheduled to take place at Donington Park from June 13 to 15, promising three days filled with electrifying performances from some of the best names in rock and metal.
This latest wave of acts adds to an already impressive roster, which features headliners Green Day, Korn, and Sleep Token. The full lineup now showcases popular names such as Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Bullet for My Valentine, and many more. Shinedown, known for their hits and high-energy performances, expressed their enthusiasm for playing at Download, saying, "Playing Download is an unforgettable experience. The UK crowd is always electric, and there’s nothing like the feeling of thousands of voices singing with us. Get ready, because we’re bringing everything we’ve got!" This sentiment reflects the excitement brewing among fans as they anticipate performances from their favorite artists.
Other newcomers to the lineup include notable acts across various rock subgenres. Among them are Opeth, Dirty Honey, AWOLNATION, Hatebreed, MOTHICA, and Cattle Decapitation. The variety and diversity of the lineup, as emphasized by senior Download booker Kamran Haq, is something the festival aims to celebrate. "We’re really proud of the variety in our line-up this year. We truly think there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes, and of course, there are still more surprises to come!" he stated, hinting at additional artists yet to be announced.
The Download Festival, which has evolved significantly since its inception back in 2003, has become synonymous with celebration and community among rock and metal enthusiasts. The setup at Donington Park has made it possible for tens of thousands of fans to gather annually, creating memorable experiences marked by powerful live music. To keep the community engaged this year, the festival has also introduced a new WhatsApp channel to keep attendees updated with announcements, merchandise drops, and important reminders as the event approaches.
Festival-goers can also join the Download Family, which provides access to exclusive perks such as discounts on merchandise and presales for selected shows. These initiatives reflect Download’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience, both leading up to and during the festival.
For those who reminisce about the initial years of Download Festival, the nostalgia is palpable. The inaugural event featured headliners like Iron Maiden and proved to be the launching pad for many other iconic performances over the years. From secret sets by Metallica to breakout acts like Audioslave, Download Festival has created countless moments etched in the annals of rock history.
Download Festival 2025 tickets are now available for purchase via their official website. With more artists expected to be announced, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for any updates as anticipation continues to grow for this year's lineup. If the past is any indicator, this summer’s festival will undoubtedly live up to the lofty expectations set by both organizers and fans alike.
The festival's commitment to quality acts and memorable performances continues to make it one of the premier events on the UK music calendar. It's not just about the music either; the camaraderie and collective experience shared among attendees create memories to last long after the final notes have been played.