Rock and metal fans can officially start the countdown. Download Festival has unveiled the second wave of artists for its 2026 edition, adding 14 more names to an already massive line-up.
Organisers continue to build excitement for the five-day event, which returns to Donington Park next summer with some of the biggest names in hard rock and heavy metal. With tickets selling quickly and day passes now available, Download Festival 2026 promises to deliver one of its strongest editions yet.
What is Download Festival 2026?
Download Festival 2026 marks the 23rd edition of the UK’s premier rock and metal gathering. The festival will take place at Donington Park, widely regarded as the spiritual home of British rock festivals.
Each year, tens of thousands of fans travel from across the UK and beyond to experience live performances across multiple stages. The festival showcases a mix of legendary headliners, breakthrough artists and underground heavy acts, creating a diverse and high-energy atmosphere.
Download has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, surprise collaborations and iconic festival moments — and 2026 looks no different.
Download Festival 2026 Announces Second Wave Of Artists
Organisers have now confirmed 14 additional artists for the 2026 line-up. The newly announced acts include:
- A Day to Remember
- THE PRIMALS
- Daughtry
- Creeper
- Hot Milk
- DECESSUS
- Annisokay
- Band-Maid
- Conjurer
- Frozemode
- Marmozets
- Private School
- Silly Goose
- Stampin’ Ground
A Day To Remember returns to Donington with its signature blend of pop-punk and metalcore. THE PRIMALS, the official band of Final Fantasy XIV, will perform outside Asia for the first time. Meanwhile, Daughtry and Creeper strengthen the melodic rock side of the bill.
DECESSUS has also drawn attention, especially as the band features Miss World Chile Ignacia Fernández on vocals.
Download Festival 2026: Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses & Linkin Park To Headline
The 2026 edition will feature three global heavyweights as headliners:
- Limp Bizkit
- Guns N’ Roses
- Linkin Park
Limp Bizkit will bring their high-energy rap-metal set to the main stage on Friday. Guns N’ Roses will take over Saturday night, with Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan leading the charge. Linkin Park will close the festival on Sunday, performing with new vocalist Emily Armstrong.
The line-up also includes major names such as Scooter, Electric Callboy, Pendulum, Bad Omens, The Pretty Reckless, Cypress Hill, Trivium, Halestorm, BABYMETAL and Tom Morello.
Download Festival 2026 Date & Time
Download Festival 2026 will run from June 10 to June 14, 2026. The five-day event will feature performances across multiple stages, with headline sets typically taking place in the evening.
Fans can expect gates to open earlier in the day, allowing festivalgoers to explore the site, enjoy supporting acts and participate in on-site activities before the main-stage performances begin.
Download Festival 2026: How to Buy Tickets?
Tickets for Download Festival 2026 are currently on sale through the official festival website. Due to high demand, organisers have now released day tickets alongside weekend passes.
PayPal customers receive exclusive 48-hour presale access to day tickets before they become available for general purchase. Organisers have urged fans to secure their tickets soon, as availability continues to decrease.
With a stacked headline trio, fresh second-wave additions and more announcements expected, Download Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest rock events of the year.
Download Festival 2026: What to Expect?
Organisers expect tens of thousands of fans to gather at Donington Park, continuing the festival’s legacy as one of the UK’s biggest rock and metal events. With a mix of legendary headliners, cult favourites and rising heavy acts, Download 2026 aims to deliver five days of high-volume performances and unforgettable moments.
As ticket demand continues to surge, fans now await further announcements that could make the line-up even bigger.
