Download Festival
East Midlands
39 festivals
85 festivals
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Dates
Download 2026 begins on 10/06 and lasts for 5 days, wrapping up on 14/06. You can stay on site for a maximum of 2 nights.
In the UK, there are 6 other festivals on the same weekend.
Crowd
Based on its maximum daily capacity of 110,000, we class Download as a large festival.
The festival is considered family friendly and children are welcomed by the organisers. There’s a children’s entertainment area on site but no dedicated family camping area. There is no minimum age for entry.
Facilities
Download is a weekend festival with facilities for on-site camping, where you can stay for a maximum of 2 nights.
Tickets
2026
Music
Download is most commonly known to schedule metal music. Acts are scheduled across 6 stages, over 5 days.
Genres
Lineups
The 2026 lineup contains 95 acts, including 3 headliners: Limp Bizkit, Guns N' Roses and Linkin Park.
Headliners
Location
Download is 1 of 14 music festivals in . The festival's full address is: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2RP.
Facts
We asked a popular AI tool a few things about Download. Here’s what it told us 
What's unique about Download festival?
Download stands as the UK’s undisputed home of rock and metal, inheriting the legendary mantle of Monsters of Rock at Donington Park. Its uniqueness lies in its unwavering commitment to heavy music genres, attracting a fiercely loyal and passionate global community. Beyond the stellar lineups, it’s the historic location itself – a hallowed ground for rock – that truly sets it apart, offering an unparalleled pilgrimage for fans to celebrate their shared love for the heavier side of music.
What’s the atmosphere like at Download?
The atmosphere at Download is electric, vibrant, and surprisingly friendly, despite the heavy music. It’s a huge, muddy party where thousands of like-minded individuals come together to celebrate rock and metal. Expect intense mosh pits and headbanging at the stages, contrasted with a warm, communal vibe in the campsites. There’s an overwhelming sense of camaraderie, acceptance, and pure joy, with everyone united by their passion, often braving the elements together with a smile.
Tips for first timers at Download?
First-timers should pack wellies and waterproofs – Donington can get muddy! A portable charger for your phone is essential, along with plenty of water and snacks. Plan your schedule in advance, but be prepared to deviate. Earplugs are a must for stage areas and potentially camping. Embrace the mud, the camaraderie, and the occasional downpour. Most importantly, stay hydrated, look out for your mates, and soak up the unique, energetic spirit of the UK’s heaviest festival.
Tell me something not many people know about Download.
While many know Download is at Donington Park, few fully grasp the depth of its historical significance. The site isn’t just a festival ground; it’s the birthplace of UK rock festivals, dating back to the legendary Monsters of Rock in 1980. Download directly evolved from this legacy, continuing a tradition of hosting the biggest names in rock and metal at this iconic location. It’s a direct lineage that connects modern headbangers to decades of rock history on the same hallowed ground.
Key Info
Questions
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