Download Festival has revealed the first wave of bands for its 2026 edition at the legendary Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, scheduled for June 12-14. The announcement confirms a headline trio that ranks among the strongest in the festival's two-decade history: SLIPKNOT, BRING ME THE HORIZON, and AVENGED SEVENFOLD will top the bill across the weekend's three nights.
SLIPKNOT's headline slot comes on the heels of a busy 2026 that includes the release of "Look Outside Your Window" and a packed festival season. The Iowa nine-piece remain one of the most electrifying live acts in heavy music, with their headline performances at Download consistently ranking among the festival's most memorable moments. BRING ME THE HORIZON's continued evolution from metalcore origins to genre-defying arena rock has made them one of British heavy music's biggest global exports, and their return to Donington as headliners cements their status at the genre's pinnacle. AVENGED SEVENFOLD, who have been selectively touring since their acclaimed 2023 album "Life Is But a Dream...," bring their ambitious, progressive-leaning metal to the main stage.
The first wave of undercard acts is equally impressive. MASTODON bring their progressive sludge metal mastery, while PARKWAY DRIVE's arena-sized metalcore and SLEEP TOKEN's mysterious, genre-blending approach add depth to the bill. KNOCKED LOOSE, fresh off one of 2025's most acclaimed albums, will bring their devastating hardcore to Donington's hallowed ground.
Weekend camping passes went on sale alongside the announcement, with early bird allocations selling quickly. Download remains one of Europe's premier rock and metal festivals, regularly drawing over 100,000 fans across the weekend to a site steeped in rock history — Donington Park has hosted the Monsters of Rock festival since 1980, making it arguably the spiritual home of British heavy metal.
Additional lineup waves will be announced throughout the coming months, with previous editions featuring over 100 acts across multiple stages. The festival's commitment to balancing mainstream headliners with underground talent across its smaller stages has been a key factor in maintaining its reputation as the UK's essential heavy music gathering.