DLXXII

LUSH TEAMS UP WITH DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL TO BRING YOU THE ULTIMATE FESTIVAL REVIVAL KIT

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DIVE INTO THE WASH PIT

This summer, Lush is turning up the volume on an unexpected collaboration that celebrates
both getting dirty and self-care! Introducing the Lush x Download Festival kit: a limited-edition, festival-revival trio of products crafted in celebration of Download Festival’s legendary community and the unapologetic spirit of alternative music culture.
 
This exclusive kit includes a bath bomb, a body spray and soap all designed for festival goers, from mosh pit to that first wash back home! Housed in a reusable box styled to look like a roadie’s flight case and plastered in playful stickers representing Download Festival, music lovers and Lush fans, this collab is as collectable as it is practical.
 
“This partnership is about more than just products – it’s about identity, belonging, and
celebration. Download Festival and Lush might seem like an unexpected duo, but our
communities are built on passion, creativity, and challenging the status quo. That shared ethos makes this collaboration feel not just natural, but necessary.” – Kalem Brinkworth, Concepts and Collaborations Lead at Lush.
 
With the Kit, Lush continues to push the boundaries of brand collaboration—demonstrating
how day-to-day self-care routines can find harmony even in the loudest spaces. This launch
aims to strengthen connections between Lush and subcultures that value authenticity,
individuality, and social connection. For Download Festival, it’s a chance to give fans a new
sensory dimension to their experience, while amplifying their reach beyond the mosh pit.
 
“We’ve always championed our Humans of Download. The partnership with Lush lets us bring the Download spirit into a whole new sensory space. This isn’t just about smelling great after the pit, it’s about celebrating the freedom, creativity and community that defines Download and our fans. The team are excited to debut a limited collection onsite at the Megastore and online.” – Glen Littlewood, SVP Marketing Live Nation.
 
The limited edition Lush x Download Festival Kit will be available online at lush.co.uk from the 19th of May and between 13 – 15 June at the Megastore on-site in Download Festival.

Download 22 Soap
Make washing the apex of your day by lathering up with this soapy opus. An avalanche of
scrubby activated charcoal and fresh, herbal basil oil washes away your post-festival blues.

Circle Pit Bath Bomb
Open up that pit! As the beat drops, descend into a vortex of bold fennel and bright tangerine oils. You bring the riffs; we’ll bring the relaxation.

Ace of Sprays Body Spray
If you like to gamble, this arresting and downright filthy blend of sultry sandalwood, spicy
tarragon and invigorating spearmint is always a safe bet.

Wash Pit Kit
The circle pit swept you up and spat you back out while epic riffs boomed in the background — now for the wind down. In one epic box, a refreshing fennel bath bomb, a crisp herbal soap and a spritz of sultry sandalwood body spray. Post-festival blues? No chance.

Download Festival 2025: Hit List

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With just over one month to go, here’s the skinny on 10 things SFG are planning to tick off our DLXXII bucket-list…

  1. See the most divisive Headliner in Download history

Yeah yeah we’ve read all the whinging bros on the forums and comment sections, but let’s face it – Sleep Token ran a sold out tour, are bringing a different sound, and have an actual stage show to offer. I could name a lot of headliners who’ve come before who were boring as fuck, so I’m going in fresh and ready to experience something new. If your sensitive lil temperament can’t take it, go elsewhere – the beauty of Download is, there’s always something else on!

2. Grab a craft beer to drink on the fancy shmancy roof terrace of the Mercian Axe Brewery Bar

Ok, so this is probably a tall order with how many people are also going to be clamouring to do this… but doesn’t a lovely cold bev, in a rooftop beer garden, overlooking one of the 7 wonders of the world, sound absolutely divine? Pray for sunshine everyone.

3. Wear everything Adidas to watch KoRn

No. I didn’t get any of the actual Kornidas collaboration merch. Yes, I do want to live my best 90’s sportluxe life anyway.

4. Extracurricular activities

Apparently Download is the place to revisit the joy of Primary school this year, so catch me at a Live Blacksmithing workshop and then running the Egg-and-Spoon race at the Heavy Metal School Sports event. Jk, I think the Séance is probably more my speed, bring it on demonkind.

5. Get a giant bucket of churros and feel sick for the rest of the night

There is nothing more exciting than receiving your giant bucket of hot fried sugar on a cold festival night… and nothing more humbling than eating two and immediately regretting your decisions. Best shared by a group, friendly warning. I will however, be avoiding the fuck outta the Yorkshire Puddings after last years’ heavily reported Brownload fiasco.

6 .Ooo-weee-oooo with Weezer

Come on, you’ve got to admit this is a class booking. Everyone likes Weezer, even people who pretend not to. If they bring merchandise I’m absolutely cooked.

7. Get brackish with Kittie and try out our MJ moves with Alien Ant Farm

This line-up is the stuff of my teenage emo dreams honestly, but the likelihood of me throwing my back out moshing, or falling flat on my face trying to do ‘the lean’ is feeling quite high.

8. RockFit mornings in The Village

So I read some comments on the FB group from people who are worried that they’ll be missing a few workout days while they’re living at Download. First of all – can’t relate. If you’re out running a circuit of the campsites before 8am, I both salute you, and wish you many hours of therapy. What I will stand by though, is the very silly fun time that RockFit presents. Will I actually drag my tired hungover ass there? TBD.

9. Live the cult Vengaboys experience.

For whom the Vengabus tolls; it tolls for thee. This is the single most brilliant booking Download have ever made, because it is 100% a very silly joke that has reached it’s pinnacle. My applause will be undying, and you must believe me when I say; hey now hey now, hear what I say now, happiness is just around the corner.

10. Finally find out who PRESIDENT are

Look, if it’s a national address from the Cheeto-in-Chief I’m going to be very upset. Please don’t be shit after all this hype, ok?

See you there, fellow field-dwellers – cross your fingers for a dry one!

DLXXII: BEYOND THE BANDS

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With less than two months to go until the mighty return of Download Festival, DLXXII has unleashed its ‘Beyond The Bands’ offerings, giving Download-goers an even more exciting experience onsite with brand new food, drink, wellness and sport options. Taking place on 11-15 June 2025 at the hallowed grounds of Donington Park, Download will be headlined by Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn. You can buy the last remaining tickets here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
Brand new for this year’s DLXXII are the Mercian Axe brewery bar where you can find locally brewed beers, the Hair Of The Dog pub complete with roof terrace and beer garden, and brand new arena bar The Iron Harp. Our Low & No bar, Bar Zero returns, as well as the Raven Records’ pop-up vinyl store, which also offers alcohol-free options, coffee and heavy metal talking therapy.
 
For the first time, Download will see live blacksmithing workshops, new immersive experience Darkfield Séance and a Heavy Metal Sports Day. There will also be axe throwing, skate ramps, a new and improved wellness, yoga and talking therapy offering, wrestling, RockFit, live fire cooking demos, daily themed quizzes, and a bigger and better Download Megastore. Old Sarum Tattoo will also be returning to Download this year.
 
This year will see over 160 fantastic food traders across the festival, with returning festival favourites and some brand new ones, with more than ever catering to vegan, vegetarian and gluten free dietary requirements. There will be a huge variety of options on display, from Rock & Roll Toastie to C’est Cheese to Halloumination to late night shawarma at Kebab Kartel to puddings at Custard & Crumble and Yay Churros.
 
Additionally, the Welders Yard food and drink area will be returning to the top of the main arena on an even larger scale, complete with Beer Hall, the aforementioned Bar Zero, and an array of food options, including authentic American smokehouse BBQ, homemade Spanish churros and Bangladeshi / Indian street food.
 
Following on from the recent District X announcement featuring live sets from the likes of Vengaboys, DJ sets, comedy and live podcasts, the DLXXII’s Beyond The Bands offerings prove that Download is much more than just its stellar band line-up, with truly something for everyone to enjoy across the five days. More information and tickets at www.downloadfestival.co.uk

DLXXII: District X unleashes biggest line-up yet

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With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed its thrilling line-up for District X – Download’s renowned festival within a festival. Featuring iconic pop legends Vengaboys, special DJ sets from festival favourites, intimate acoustic performances, electrifying secret sets, new quizzes, live podcasts, comedy, and unique entertainment experiences, District X promises to take Downloaders into another dimension. Taking place from 11–15 June 2025 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to redefine festival experiences beyond the main arena. Last remaining weekend tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
District X expands the Download experience with entertainment running around-the-clock, creating another dimension that sets Download apart. Offering a wide range of activities beyond the music, from immersive performances to interactive events, it ensures festivalgoers have something to enjoy at any hour. This year’s diverse programme makes District X an essential part of the Download weekend, giving fans a richer, broader weekend that extends beyond the main arena.
 
Headlining this year’s District X programme as one of the most requested bookings of all time, the legendary Vengaboys will take to Donington Park by fan demand, bringing their iconic hits and high-energy performance for a nostalgic and unforgettable party experience.
 
Joining the party, Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth will take to the decks for a blistering DJ set. Expect a nightmarish mix of gothic anthems and metal classics, curated by one of the most recognisable figures in heavy music. Further bolstering the Friday night schedule, Aled Phillips from Kids In Glass Houses joins the District X DJ line-up, kicking off the evening ahead of a special acoustic set from Welsh post-hardcore icons Funeral For A Friend, followed by McFly’s bassist Dougie Poynter who will promise a setlist packed with crowd favourites and unexpected gems. Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats also steps up for a heavy-hitting DJ set with high energy late into the night with a high-octane performance from MODESTEP (DJ Set) – the  bass-driven powerhouse known for fusing dubstep with rock and metal – rounding off the night in explosive style.
 
Further District X highlights include Now That’s What I Call A 00’s Mixtape – a full-throttle throwback party hosted by Sophie K, packed with the biggest noughties anthems and alt-rock favourites. DJ sets from Zoe London and Hang The DJs will bring high-energy genre-spanning selections to the late-night crowd, while She They Press Play delivers a bold and boundary-pushing celebration of alternative culture.
 
A special highlight for wrestling enthusiasts, District X welcomes the renowned Lucha Britannia wrestling showcase in an exclusive collaboration with festival favourites Slay Duggee. Taking place on Wednesday night, this unique fusion brings an edgy twist to classic wrestling entertainment.
 
Returning favourites like Emo Drag Karaoke, Silent Disco, and the End of The World Party will ensure the party never stops, while new additions such as live podcasts with special guest appearances including an eagerly anticipated session with rock royalty Justin Hawkins (The Darkness).  His acclaimed YouTube series, ‘Justin Hawkins Rides Again,’ has captivated music fans worldwide, making his District X appearance a must-see festival highlight. On Wednesdays We Wear Black, who champion inclusivity in the heavy music scene through their sharp humour and unfiltered takes, will also be bringing their much-loved podcast to Download.
 
District X will also feature a range of brand-new experiences, including interactive quizzes including Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn-themed quizzes with Kitty Cowell, wrestling showcases, bingo with an alternative twist, Never Mind The Download pub quiz, comedy sessions from rising stars, aerobics and sports day events. With surprise secret sets scheduled across the weekend, as first revealed by the exclusive Download Family inner circle newsletter earlier this month, attendees can expect the unexpected at every turn.
 
Download Festival welcomes back DARKFIELD following last year’s surreal EULOGY show, this time with their flagship experience, SÉANCE—an immersive encounter guaranteed to unnerve and captivate. This intense 20-minute sonic performance places 20 festivalgoers inside a pitch-black 24ft container, transformed into a Victorian séance room where immersive 3D audio manipulates the senses. blurring the line between reality and the supernatural.
 
Flow State Wellness returns to Download with an expanded offering for 2025, providing festivalgoers with a perfect, calming way to start their day at the Outpost. Running every morning, these immersive sessions will guide attendees through breathwork, gentle movement, mindfulness meditations, and sound healing. In addition to morning sessions, Flow State Wellness will also offer daily drop-ins within the main arena, creating space for relaxation and grounding between sets.
 
New for 2025, Blink will be hosting wellbeing tents in District X, offering a dedicated space to unwind, take part in mindfulness activities, and have open conversations about mental health. Attendees will also have access to free professional single-session talking therapy with qualified psychologists and counsellors, providing vital support in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
 
Diverse UK is expanding its presence at Download this year, increasing from one space in the arena to two. Their sensory calm spaces offer a vital retreat for neurodivergent festivalgoers and those in need of a quiet, regulated environment, ensuring Download remains a festival that welcomes everyone.
 
District X is bigger and better for 2025, with enhanced décor, vibrant lighting, and a transformed festival space. The popular ‘Ace of Spades’ venue has been expanded, now welcoming crowds of up to 2,000 fans, while the all-new ‘Gravers Return’ bar and food area offers festivalgoers a lively spot to unwind and recharge. Thrilling skate ramp demos across District X & the Main Arena, and improved accessibility throughout the festival guarantee an unrivalled experience from start to finish.
 
Families aren’t forgotten at Download DLXXII, with the dedicated Mini Moshers campsite (application required) offering a family-friendly environment to ensure even the youngest rockers have an incredible festival experience. Packed with fun and excitement, Mini Moshers can look forward to live performances from the much-loved Slay Duggee, known for transforming children’s favourite songs and theme tunes into high-energy metal anthems and Rock Kids, whose energetic, interactive shows include everything from epic singalongs and snow machines to their famous ‘wall of hugs’.
 
This packed line-up confirms that District X remains the ultimate late-night entertainment hub, offering Downloaders an unforgettable festival experience from dusk until dawn.
Tickets and full information available at www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Sign up for exclusive news and offers as part of the Download Family at https://downloadfestival.co.uk/family/.
 
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill. 
 
Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk. 

100 DAYS TO GO UNTIL DOWNLOAD XXII

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Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, is now only 100 days away. With the countdown now truly on, celebrate this year’s festival with our round up of Download By Numbers. This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
DOWNLOAD BY NUMBERS
 
22 years of Download Festival
9 stages across the site, offering an array of entertainment across the weekend
120+ artists, from headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn on the Apex Stage, to new talent on the Avalanche and Dogtooth Stages, to DJs and secret sets in District X
90,000+ fans set to descend on Donington Park
100,000 expected mosh and circle pit steps per person
30,000 Download t-shirts in production
6000 new Download patches in production
5000 members of crew needed to build the site in 20 days
3690 barrels of beer and cider being brewed
3000 Download rubber ducks in production
3000 Download pin badges in production
1500+ yurts, chalets, tipis and airstreams in RIP Metal Meadow
931.56 acres of land to host Download Festival
300 bottles of champagne on the band riders
200 horns thrown by the Download Dog across the weekend
170 food and drinks traders onsite
150 miles cycled by the Heavy Metal Truants to get to Download each year
127 Big Green Coach vehicles used to get fans to the festival in the greenest possible way
57 golf buggies onsite to transport artists and crew
50 fans heading to the festival on their own to create a community in Camp Loner
48 countries represented by fans
46 tattooists onsite
34 hours of live music
20 British Sign Language interpreters available for customers
17 countries represented on the line-up
8 vegan food outlets 
3 secret sets in District X
4 exclusive plush Download Dog designs in production
2 Download Dog groomers onsite
1 and only time McFly have performed
1 unforgettable weekend of the best rock and metal music the world has to offer
0 Kilowatts of unrenewable energy used to power the Rock Retreat
 
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill.
 
Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.