Festival News

Nights out with BLOODSTOCK + more bands announced

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With 4 months still to go before you can shout BLOODSTOCK is next week, festival HQ has got all the details of some raucous nights out to help you pass the time and get a sneak peek at some of the freshest talent to perform at BLOODSTOCK this August, in rock clubs around the country and at the Metal 2 The Masses tour dates which kick off imminently! Plus, even if you can’t make any of those events, read on for the low down on 8 hellacious acts who’ve already seen off all the challengers to claim spots on the Timothy Taylor New Blood stage, so you can discover your new favourite band right now.

Have you been following the earlier events of BLOODSTOCK’s phenomenally successful Metal 2 The Masses (M2TM) scheme? If not, now’s the time! The final 31 tour dates are locked and loaded! With a different line-up every show, one band from each night will be selected to join the line up on the Timothy Taylor New Blood Stage this August.
With 31 regions taking part, across the UK, Poland, Norway, and Cyprus, 2025 marks the biggest Metal 2 The Masses scheme yet! The first final kicks off in Cyprus on April 11, but you can get details of all venues and dates on BLOODSTOCK’s website, Facebook, or by clicking the region below.

LONDON | CYPRUS | BRISTOL | COVENTRY | BURNLEY | DEV & CORNWALL | MERSEYSIDE | BRIGHTON | OXFORD | NORTHANTS | NOTTINGHAM | STOKE | CHELTENHAM | KENT | NEWCASTLE | HITCHIN | SOUTH WALES | NORTH WALES | NORWAY | SOMERSET | BIRMINGHAM | EAST ANGLIA | ESSEX | MANCHESTER | SOUTHAMPTON | LEICESTER | SHEFFIELD | LEEDS | BELFAST | SCOTLAND | POLAND
Kicking off at the beginning of May are this year’s riotously fun BLOODSTOCK CLUB NIGHTS! Another fun way to get out there and support your local venues and perhaps take home some BLOODSTOCK tickets while you’re at it! With only a very small handful of festival tickets left available to buy, every club night will have a ticket competition on the night and you might just be the lucky winner!

Party nights line up as follows, air guitaring is optional: 

Sat 3rd May – York, Bluebox – Deadbolt
Sat 10th May – Manchester, Rebellion – Deadbolt
Sat 17th May – Bristol, Basement 45 – Apocalypse
Sat 31st May – Brighton, Above – Apocalypse
Sat 31st May – Southampton, Sobar – Apocalypse
Fri 6th June – Glasgow, Cathouse Fridays
Fri 6th June – Guildford, All Bar One – Schism
Fri 20th June – Cardiff, Metros – Heresy
Sat 28th June – Stoke-on-Trent, The Sugarmill – Devil’s Night
Sat 12th July – Nottingham, The Sal – Hexx
Fri 18th July – Exeter, The Cavern – Altern8
Fri 25th July – London, Elektrowerkz – Voodoo
The best (days and) nights out in August are of course those you can spend at BLOODSTOCK! With such high quality acts applying to the festival this year, here’s the low down on 8 bands who have already been locked in to make everyone wish the New Blood tent was twice the size.

Friday welcomes Mancunians THE MACHINEST (video), offering up a particularly gnarly and intense flavour of industrial extreme metal, for fans of Anaal Nathrakh and The Berzerker. They’ll be joined by Hertfordshire-based squad LOWDOWN (video), firm believers in riffing like their lives depended on it, who’ve just signed to Damage Records for their debut.  If you’re a fan of Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Ghost, Heilung or Nightwish, save some space in your schedule to catch Northern powerhouse LN (video) and their transcendental blend of Pagan/Viking metal. 
Did they foresee they’d be joining Saturday’s bill? FORTUNE TELLER (video) is the power metal brainchild of Ross McLennan (Ingested, Viscera, Abhorrent Decimation), paired with Meyrick De La Fuente, Ian Rockett, and Theresa Smith (Metaprism). Saturday also adds prog metallers HEKZ (video), who’ve been splendidly described by Prog magazine as sounding like “Queen having a barney with Dream Theater as Rush and Iron Maiden duke it out on the sidelines.” 

Local Derbyshire lads THE CARTOGRAPHER (video) clinch a spot on Sunday’s line up, a spine-shattering embodiment of modern deathcore. Also part of Sunday’s affray, the evocatively named SPITTING TEETH (video) are sure to wake up the pit – if you dare – with their filthy riffs and relentless and punishing live set.

For a change of pace that day but no less captivating, why not check out Belfast’s alt rock tribe PREYRS (video), featuring singer Amy Montgomery. The group were previously nominated for both Best Live Act and Best Artist at the Northern Ireland Music Prize and are sure to make new fans at BLOODSTOCK!
Did you snap up a ticket yet? Day tickets are now running VERY low (only Friday left!), and weekend tickets have also already sold out, so don’t hang about if you want to join the fun this summer! If you already have a weekend ticket, a limited number of Wednesday early access passes are available for an add-on cost of £25 for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience, staying in any of the standard campsites (including Kyrr if you have a Kyrr-specific ticket) or the campervan field. This option is not available at present for the VIP or accessible campsites. 

Head to the ticket store to see all currently available options including pre-bookable car parking.

If you’ve missed out on your preferred ticket type, sign up to official resale partner Tixel. Simply set an alert for notification if your tickets of choice become available, or pre-authorise your card in advance, so no need for constant checking back. Tixel also allows you to safely re-sell tickets to a new home if plans have changed. You can sell ALL ticket types, including instalment plan purchases, plus any tickets sold via Ticketmaster or other third party ticket outlets. Click through to https://tixel.com/uk/bloodstock-tickets for more information on how it works. 

If you’re thinking about travel options and your dinosaur isn’t giving you a lift, perhaps consider Big Green Coach, for the closest drop off on site. Check out routes here. 

Get more festival information over at bloodstock.uk.com. Watch a trailer here.

BLOODSTOCK will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 7th-10th August 2025.

BLOODSTOCK’s 2025 Ronnie James Dio stage headliners are TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage will be ME AND THAT MAN, KATAKLYSM, STATIC-X, and OBITUARY. You’ll also be able to see MASTODON, NAILBOMB, MINISTRY, EMPEROR, FEAR FACTORY, LACUNA COIL, HERIOT, ORANGE GOBLIN, CREEPER, KUBLAI KHAN TX, CAGE FIGHT, RIVERS OF NIHIL, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FEUERSCHWANZ, LORD OF THE LOST, PALEFACE SWISS, AUGUST BURNS RED, WARBRINGER, UNDEATH, SPIRIT ADRIFT, THROWN, ALL FOR METAL, BREED 77, HIGH PARASITE, and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD.

Joining them are SHRAPNEL, FAMYNE, KONVENT, THE SPIRIT, GHOSTS OF ATLANTIS, ONE MACHINE, MY DILIGENCE, SHADE EMPIRE, EIHWAR, WATERLINES, PHOENIX LAKE, NEONFLY, WALL, DOGMA, SIGLOS, DEADFLESH, FOURWAYKILL, GNOME, TURIN, LOCK HORNS, OFNUS, ROUGH JUSTICE, IREOSIS, BA’AL, FRAYLE, PENGSHUI, VNDER A CRVMBLING MOON, APATHY UK, and BARBARIAN HERMIT.

Stay tuned for many more bands and on site activities to be announced over the coming months.

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. 

Bloodstock gives back…

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BLOODSTOCK’s motto has always been, “by the fans, for the fans.” A new initiative starting in 2025 and being announced today typifies this perfectly. Not only that, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to share two very well-deserving charity partners for 2025’s event, and confirm the return of the CD & t-shirt amnesty, as part of some fund-raising efforts. Read on for more details… 

BLOODSTOCK is excited to announce The 100! A lucky 50 weekend ticket holders will be chosen at random to be a part of a range of special experiences at this summer’s event! 

The 50 metalheads selected will have the option of inviting a +1 to join them, providing they are also in possession of a weekend ticket, to enjoy the following complimentary experiences and perks with them:
Backstage tour and meet & greet with one of the Festival Directors!Load-in tour – high chances of bumping into and watching one of the headliners load in on the main stage!The 100 Goody-Bag. Includes collectable merchandise and limited edition rarities!Your own chill-out undercover area exclusively for The 100 in the arena! Join the private Facebook group for The 100 and get to know your future friends in advance!

As the brain child of the former Rock Soc squad, these unique experiences for The 100 are part of the festival’s way of continuing to give back to you – the best fans a metal festival could ask for. Please note, this experience is not for sale or resale. If you miss out on this year’s perks though, don’t worry, as each year BLOODSTOCK will pick at random another 50 weekend ticket holders to be included in The 100! So keep an eye on your email inbox, because it could be you…
Festival HQ can also announce that this year’s charity beneficiaries will be The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Metal For Good.

The ever important work of THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION to stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance everywhere is something BLOODSTOCK have been glad to support ever since 2009 when the second stage was renamed the Sophie Lancaster Stage. Their educational work in primary and secondary schools is second to none, but they also work with university/college students and adult learners, as well as offering outreach activities, training, workshops, and presentations. Learn more at: https://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/. 

METAL FOR GOOD is a registered charity that uses the positive values of rock, metal and other alternative subcultures to make a positive difference in communities. They  provide grants to incredible community groups and organisations who use the transformative power of music to change lives, helping to fund ideas to end inequality, improve wellbeing, and provide life-changing opportunities. Their core values include togetherness, individuality, passion, integrity, and belonging – something we can all get behind. Learn more at: https://metalforgood.org/. 
Both charities will have stands at BLOODSTOCK for information as well as selling merch to fundraise, so be sure to stop by and show them some support. 

Katy Baker, Metal For Good, states, “Metal For Good are absolutely delighted to become one of Bloodstock’s charity partners for 2025. Bloodstock has become such an important annual event for the metal community, and this year’s festival is set to be one to remember. We already know that the Bloodstock community cares greatly about the transformative power of music, and we are excited to get the chance to share our story, and raise funds for incredible community projects using music for good!” 

The Sophie Lancaster Foundation add, “BOA is a very special festival that feels like home for us, the work behind the scenes to give the fans a better experience year on year is mind-blowing! We cannot thank Bloodstock, their brilliant team and all who attend and support us enough.”
WIN THIS!!
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation will also have a very special, ultra rare item to raffle off at this year’s event, donated by owner Adam Carruthers – an artist-signed BLOODSTOCK backdrop from 2005! 

Adam shares the history of this astonishing raffle prize, remembering, “I first went to Bloodstock back in 2004 when it was held in the Derby Assembly Rooms. I remember my friend and I were desperate to see Children of Bodom for the first time, and when we saw that they were headlining this festival we thought it was a no brainer, we needed to go! It was a great festival with lots of bands to see over the two days, it was such a friendly atmosphere, and we got to meet some amazing like-minded metal fans. So the following year when they announced an outdoor festival as well as an indoor festival, I knew it was something I needed to go to. I’d been a fan of metal for a number of years before hearing about Bloodstock, and I think another reason for picking this festival over many other metal festivals was that it has such a friendly atmosphere and Bloodstock has bands playing that no other festival in the UK would put on their bill.

The performances over that weekend were great, from what I can remember as it was almost 20 years ago! Haha! There were a lot of bands there that I had not heard of before, so it was great to check them out and see what they were like. Evergrey was a highlight for me, so much so that I bought their entire back catalogue at one of the stalls in the festival grounds! I can still remember Edguy’s singer climbing up the stage scaffolding to the top and still performing brilliantly! Friday night headliner Sebastian Bach was also great to watch, as he is such a great front man! Again it was Children of Bodom that stole the weekend for me! Alexi Lahio is one of my biggest influences as a player and it was just amazing to see him play, and to see the entire band play an amazing set!

That weekend my friend and I entered a raffle to have the chance of winning the BOA festival backdrop which was to be signed by every band playing the festival. The ticket cost £1. They asked us to put our phone number on the back of the raffle ticket so they could contact us if needed, but the winner would be announced on the Main Stage once it had been drawn. My friend and I watched a few more bands and then headed back to the tent to get some food and have a rest. While at the tent I heard my phone ringing, I didn’t recognise the number and usually I wouldn’t pick it up, but this time I did. When I answered I was told that my ticket had been drawn and I’d won the banner! When I got backstage I saw the banner and had a photo taken, and met Edguy too, before going to watch more bands. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was, it didn’t feel real at the time! The banner was displayed on a wall at my house for a number of years!

I’ve always been to festivals with friends, and we’ve always met up with other people while there. I always feel with Bloodstock that you could go to the festival on your own, but you would never feel on your own. It has always had that amazing friendly atmosphere that had attracted me to this festival. I also think that the range of different bands that are on the bill makes me want to come back to Bloodstock rather than any other festival.
I thought now was the perfect time, 20 years since then, to donate such a great piece of Bloodstock history for a great cause. The Sophie Lancaster Foundation is such an important charity in trying to stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance, and I feel honoured to be able to donate this piece of Bloodstock history to be raffled off to hopefully raise a sizeable amount so the charity can keep on with this work.

Bloodstock has been such an important festival to me. I’ve got a lot of great memories from going there with friends and seeing some amazing music.”

Visit their stand in the main arena this year to see if you can win it!
BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to confirm that the ever popular CD & T-SHIRT AMNESTY will return in 2025! Not familiar? Raid your collections for your shirts (or discs) in good, clean condition that you don’t want anymore and hand ‘em over at the INFORMATION tent in the main arena! Then head to the SIGNING TENT from 10am -12pm, Friday – Sunday, to grab yourself a pre-loved bargain, as they’ll be selling off donated items to add to the fundraising coffers for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Metal For Good!


Did you snap up a ticket yet? With Saturday day tickets down to their very last handful, anyone wanting to catch MACHINE HEAD headlining BLOODSTOCK that day needs to hurry up before it’s as sold out as Sunday already is… last warning! With Friday day tickets now picking up the pace too, don’t delay if you want to get in on this summer’s heavy metal fun! If you already have a weekend ticket, Wednesday early access is available for an add-on cost of £25 for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience, staying in any of the standard campsites (including Kyrr if you have a Kyrr-specific ticket) or the campervan field. This option is not available at present for the VIP or accessible campsites. 

Head to the ticket store to see all currently available options including pre-bookable car parking.
Get more festival information over at bloodstock.uk.com. Watch a trailer here.

BLOODSTOCK will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 7th-10th August 2025.

BLOODSTOCK’s 2025 Ronnie James Dio stage headliners are TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA. Headlining the Sophie Lancaster stage will be ME AND THAT MAN, KATAKLYSM, STATIC-X, and OBITUARY. You’ll also be able to see MASTODON, NAILBOMB, MINISTRY, EMPEROR, FEAR FACTORY, LACUNA COIL, HERIOT, ORANGE GOBLIN, CREEPER, KUBLAI KHAN TX, CAGE FIGHT, RIVERS OF NIHIL, FLOTSAM & JETSAM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FEUERSCHWANZ, LORD OF THE LOST, PALEFACE SWISS, AUGUST BURNS RED, WARBRINGER, UNDEATH, SPIRIT ADRIFT, THROWN, ALL FOR METAL, BREED 77, HIGH PARASITE, and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD. Joining them are SHRAPNEL, FAMYNE, KONVENT, THE SPIRIT, GHOSTS OF ATLANTIS, ONE MACHINE, MY DILIGENCE, SHADE EMPIRE, EIHWAR, WATERLINES, PHOENIX LAKE, NEONFLY, WALL, DOGMA, SIGLOS, DEADFLESH, FOURWAYKILL, GNOME, TURIN, LOCK HORNS, OFNUS, ROUGH JUSTICE, IREOSIS, BA’AL, FRAYLE, PENGSHUI, VNDER A CRVMBLING MOON, APATHY UK, and BARBARIAN HERMIT.

Stay tuned for many more bands and on site activities to be announced over the coming months.

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.

Announcing… BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING

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Be part of BLOODSTOCK history!! Will you be one of the very first to bear witness to BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING this December?! This brand new, one-day edition of the premier heavy metal summer weekender is set to debut this festive season on 6th December 2025. Raising the roof at the fabled KK’s Steelmill in Wolverhampton, this not-to-be-missed headbanger’s extravaganza will begin at 2pm in order to pack in as much high quality metal as possible. 

BLOODSTOCK are proud to announce the main stage headliner will be none other than legendary Swedish doom metal fiends CANDLEMASS. Celebrating their 40th anniversary, the epic five-piece are still taking stages by storm at festivals across the globe. Look out for their awesome upcoming Black Star EP, slated for release in May 2025. 

CANDLEMASS share, “Candlemass are proud to be a part of the Bloodstock Winter Gathering! We have always felt welcome on British soil and we’re excited to be there once again and deliver our special brand of Swedish doom metal! See ya all soon… Love you!!!”

Joining CANDLEMASS will be very special guests British thrashers VENOM INC (playing Ave in full for the first time ever!), plus hilarious extreme metallers RAISED BY OWLS, Scottish speed freaks HELLRIPPER, thrashcore mainstays TORTURED DEMON, and Welsh heavy hitters KING KRAKEN. 

But that’s not all! BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING will also have a second stage for your aural delight, headlined by theatrical devils RED METHOD, powerful metalcore act THUUM, and Mancunian thrashers HELLBEARER, plus artist signing sessions, DJ sets, and more still to be announced.

Tickets cost £49.00 + booking fee, and are on sale right now here! With a strictly limited capacity, don’t hang about if you want to go!

Situated a 20-minute walk from Wolverhampton station and with all-day parking located around the venue for just £2, what better way to give yourself and your loved ones an early Christmas present. As well as a stacked lineup of skull-splitting bands, KK’s Steelmill also offer a range of snacks to satiate your hunger and drinks to quench your thirst from the bar, accepting cash, card, and contactless payments. And if December means you need your big coat, there’s a cloakroom for £1 per item!  

For all the latest info, keep your eyes peeled on the official event website here.

Experience three days of pure magic at South Africa’s Bazique this March

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Bazique-festival

Bazique 2025 is ready to ignite every one of your senses from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th March, at the beautiful Buffalo Drift near Gouda – around an hour and a half’s drive from everyone’s favourite city, Cape Town.

Bazique is more than just a festival; it’s a three-day art and music utopia lovingly built by 11 legendary party collectives, hundreds of artists, and a community of free spirits who believe in pure creative expression. Think epic large-scale art installations, immersive performances, riverside swims, golden sand beaches, and sunrise-to-sunset magic – all set to a soundtrack of the most hypnotic beats from across the globe.

Speaking of beats, this year’s carefully curated lineup is stacked. Expect the likes of Superpitcher, Oliver Koletzki, Omri, Frida Darko, Mimi Love, Freudenthal, Kususa, and FKA Mash hitting the decks. In total, we’ll have seven international and 110 local DJs tearing up five mind-blowing stages. 

And when you’re not groovin’? Pop-up parties, workshops, and interactive experiences will keep you entertained and the adventure rolling.

Tickets for Bazique are currently available here at tier 3 pricing of R1895 for the whole weekend (around £82). Vehicle passes, and some glamping options are also available. You can also find out more about the event on the website here: https://www.bazique.co.za/

Want to learn a bit more about Bazique? We caught up with their marketing team to hear more about Bazique’s vibe. 

Bazique

What makes Bazique so special?

Bazique is an unusual hybrid of a Burning Man-style event and a commercial festival. It has many participant-generated art installations and interactive experiences, as well as six stages featuring a wide variety of electronic music. 

The festival is presented by a unique, once-a-year collaboration of ten of Cape Town’s best party promoters and spearheaded by one of the originators of the legendary Glade Festival UK, which won Best Dance Music Festival 2008 at the UK Festival Awards. 

How has Bazique changed or grown over the years?

Bazique has quadrupled in size since its beginning. The scale and ambition of the site art have increased, but what’s most fun for us is that the Bazique production family has blossomed. We’re a great group of people with a common goal of creating the best art and music festival in South Africa.

How does Bazique support local artists and creatives?

A huge part of Bazique’s raisin d’etre is being a benefactor to Cape Town’s arts scene. That’s whether it involves finding up-and-coming local music producers, developing installations, or creating bursaries with the Cape Town University’s Art Dept and Theatre Dept to create a platform for new talent to emerge.  

Also for the first time this year, the esteemed Bridges for Music Academy based in Langa township has got its own stage, shining a spotlight on the music and art bubbling up off the streets of South Africa.

 Do you get many international visitors?

Yes! Last year, we had over 400 international party people from 32 countries.

Convinced yet? Gates swing open Friday 7th, at 11 AM, with the music kicking off at 3 PM and continuing till Sunday 9th, at 5 PM. There’s no Sunday camping unless you’re living the glamping life – so plan accordingly. We hope to see you there!

Wychwood Festival reveals family-friendly Village Green events, activities, workshops & more

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WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2025 VILLAGE GREEN LINE UP ANNOUNCED

VIBRANT ARRAY OF FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND WORKSHOPS CONFIRMED FOR WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2025 INCLUDING:

NATIONAL TRUST RANGER RAE AND THE WILDLIFERS PODCAST & STAGE SHOW – DAN THE HAT’S REMARKABLE STREET SHOW – FLAME OZ – CHELTENHAM POETRY FESTIVAL – SILLY SPORTS DAY – SOLO CIRCUS – FIERY JACK’S GAMES EMPORIUM – BLEEPHAUS CREATIVITY – KINDRID SPIRITS ART COLLECTIVE AND MUCH MORE!

JOINING A PACKED MUSIC LINE UP FEATURING:
SHED SEVEN – DOVES – JAMES
PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING – THE ZUTONS
THE LOTTERY WINNERS – LUCY SPRAGGAN – DANIEL BEDINGFIELD – FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS – IBIBIO SOUND MACHINE – SCOUTING FOR GIRLS – SONGHOY BLUES – THE MAGIC NUMBERS – HOME COUNTIES – P.E. WITH JOE WICKS AND MORE

THE UK’S STANDOUT BOUTIQUE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE BEAUTIFUL GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, ARTS, COMEDY & MORE

30th May – 1st June – Cheltenham Racecourse 

https://wychwoodfestival.com

Wychwood Festival has today unveiled the vibrant programme of activities, workshops, arts & crafts and more, as part of the Village Green in 2025. Designed to provide fun, creativity, and adventure for all ages, the Village Green will once again be an interactive hub of engaging entertainment throughout the festival weekend. Packing so many unique moments into three days, the VIllage Green – alongside the highly curated music line up – is what makes Wychwood stand out as one of the UK’s leading boutique festivals.

From 30th May to 1st June 2025, festivalgoers can enjoy an array of stimulating experiences, all included in the ticket price. Whether it’s perfecting circus tricks, moving to the rhythm of Bollywood & Bhangra led by the talented Sohan Kailey, or getting lost in a captivating story, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights of this year’s Village Green programme include the remarkable street show from Glastonbury Festival favourite Dan The Hat, breathtaking fire and LED displays from the award-winning Flame Oz, and the ever-popular Silly Sports Day delivering a lively mix of races, games, and family-friendly fun. Adding to the creative offering, Cheltenham Poetry Festival will host an inspiring spoken word session, encouraging young minds to express themselves through performance and poetry.

In a brand-new addition for 2025, Wychwood welcomes the team behind The National Trust’s hit children’s podcast, Ranger Rae and the Wildlifers. Through an interactive podcast-making show, families will dive into storytelling, listen to episodes on immersive silent disco headphones, and even take part in shaping Ranger Rae’s next big adventure.

Beyond these highlights, the Village Green will also offer a rich variety of arts and crafts sessions, magic workshops, drumming circles, opportunities to take part in the festival’s joyful Sunday Parade, and the soon to be announced Storybox, Wychwood’s very own Children’s Literature Festival. Whether looking to get active, get creative, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere, the Village Green is a must-visit part of the Wychwood experience.

This announcement comes as Wychwood Festival gears up for another unforgettable summer of music, arts, and entertainment. The 2025 music line-up boasts an impressive roster of artists, with headliners James, Shed Seven, and Doves leading the charge. The bill also features Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, The Lottery Winners, Ibibio Sound Machine, Scouting For Girls, and newly announced Lucy Spraggan, plus many more, ensuring a weekend of top-tier live performances across the festival’s stages. Ensuring the crowds are limbered up for such a fun-packed day, fitness personality Joe Wicks will also lead a live P.E. session from the main stage!

With an abundance of family-friendly activities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a stunning location at Cheltenham Racecourse, Wychwood Festival remains one of the UK’s most beloved events for all ages. Under 10’s go free, with family-friendly amenities across seven accessible venues featuring baby changing facilities, a dedicated sensory calm space and affordable £6 Kid’s Meals. 

Wychwood Festival takes place from 30th May and 1st June 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Day and Weekend Tickets are on sale now, with a Weekend Camping Payment Plan available via: https://wychwoodfestival.com/

The Line Up Announced So Far

James – Shed Seven – Doves

Public Service Broadcasting – The Zutons – The Lottery Winners – Daniel Bedingfield – Lucy Spraggan – Fisherman’s Friends – Ibibio Sound Machine – Scouting For Girls – Songhoy Blues – The Magic Numbers – Gentleman’s Dub Club – Goldie Lookin Chain – Skinny Lister – Lack of Afro – The Bug Club – Dub Catalyst – Home Counties – Doreen Doreen – The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican – Roving Crows – Whitney Social Club

P.E with Joe Wicks

Howlin’ Petes: The Smyths – Barrioke – The Beatles Dub Club – Thrill Collins – Hip Hop Karaoke – The Ogretones – Witney Social Club – DJ Carlton (Temps Rising) – Mr.B The Gentleman Rhymer

Village Green: National Trust Ranger Rae And The Wildlifers Stage Show & Podcasting Workshops – Circus Workshops With Solo Circus – Fail Fail Fail Win Show Bollywood & Bhangra Dance & Bhangra Pop DJ Set With Sohan Kailey Dan The Hat’s Remarkable Street Show – Fiery Jack’s Games Emporium – Fire Show By Flame Oz – Drop In Funky Drumming With Drum Runners – Adult Yoga With Jane Rotheray – Belly Dance With Syren & Mirage – Street Dance & Creative Movement With Lula May Body Positive Dance & She Shanties With Libby Farrow – Silly Sports Day – Board Games British Sign Language Workshops With Ade Jowett Thrall – Open Mic Session With Neemus Spoken Word With Cheltenham Poetry Festival – Magic Workshop With El Baldiniho Magic & Ventriloquism With Colin Dymond – Musical Theatre Fitness With Chi Chi Kids – Arts And Crafts For All Ages Including Enamelling With Medley Arts – Groovy Records With Complete Wasters – Cuddly Science With Salaric Arts – Doodling & Lino Printing With Gemma Hastilow – Make With Spare Room Arts – Craft With Curty Creates – Music Technology With Bleephaus Creativity With Kindred Spirits Arts Collective – World Class Street Theatre And Pop Up Entertainment To Amaze And Intrigue – The Parade Lead By Sambistas Samba Band

Plus: Comedy – Storybox: Kids Children Literature Festival – Silent Disco – Healing Gardens – Idyllic Camping Beneath the Prestbury Hills! 

Bohemia at Beach by FIVE Presents The Defected 25th Anniversary New Years’ Eve Celebration with Roger Sanchez, Monki, Kimbros and Fabrice

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Bohemia Beach Club is the crown jewel of FIVE Jumeirah Palm, Dubai and is set to see out 2024 with a bang

 An epic New Year’s Eve celebration plays out under the stars and breathtaking fireworks with global house icons Defected as they mark their 25th anniversary

This final party of the year will come after an electrifying season at Bohemia Beach Club with headliners such as James Hype, Loco Dice, Jan Blomqvist, Paco Osuna, Lee Burridge, Hot Since 82, Rossi, Patrice Bäumel and Super Flu

5 December 2024, Dubai: Bohemia joins forces with London’s powerhouse label, Defected, for a special edition of Bohemia Presents—an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a star-studded line-up set to ignite the night. Prepare to ring in 2025 with an evening filled with pure house magic, beachfront glamour, and breathtaking firework displays.

Headlining the night is Grammy-winning house legend Roger Sanchez, renowned for iconic tracks such as ‘Another Chance’ and his high-energy performances that have shaped dance music for decades. Joining him is Kimbros, who will deliver their signature blend of eclectic house and disco, DJ Monki, who is an underground tastemaker championing the freshest electronic sounds and a Radio 1 regular, while Fabrice completes the line-up with his genre-defying beats.

Dance your way into 2025, surrounded by dazzling panoramic views of Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai, at Bohemia Beach Club’s stunning beachfront setting. Immerse yourself in an electrifying, high-energy evening as Defected’s signature mix of legendary house talent and rising stars delivers a world-class party with its renowned sound and production aesthetic.

This promises to be a New Year’s Eve like no other!

Wychwood Festival announces first wave line up for 2025!

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Wychwood Festival has today revealed all the headliners and more for the 2025 edition of the beloved family friendly festival. 

Offering an unmissable weekend of iconic performances in music, arts, and family-friendly entertainment, Wychwood’s uniquely intimate setting at Gloucestershire’s Cheltenham Racecourse will come alive again with the magic of summer between 30th May to 1st June 2025.

Joining recently announced headliners James, will be none other than Shed Seven and Doves, alongside a hand-picked selection of the finest live acts, including Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, The Lottery Winners, Ibibio Sound Machine, Scouting For Girls and many more.

Shed Seven join the line up off the back of an unprecedented year of success for the Britpop veterans. They joined an exclusive club in 2024, alongside the likes of Abba, Queen, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift when they scored not one but two number 1s in the Official UK Album Chart in the same year. Revered for euphoric classics like ‘Chasing Rainbows’ and ‘Going For Gold’, and celebrated for incredible new material on ‘A Matter Of Time’ and ‘Liquid Gold’, fans can look forward to an electric headline set on Friday night at Wychwood. 

Rick Witter, Shed Seven’s frontman said: “We are really looking forward to coming back to play at the Wychwood Festival again in 2025. The last time we played there was an amazing atmosphere so we can’t wait to come back and recreate it. Expect big songs and rock and roll. See you down the front”

After three years away, Manchester band Doves are announced today as the Sunday night headliner. Firmly back on the scene and gearing up for a highly anticipated new album ‘Constellations For The Lonely’, Doves’ emotive and atmospheric anthems like ‘There Goes the Fear’ and ‘Pounding’, will round off a closing moment to cherish next summer.

The line-up expands with an exciting array of artists spanning multiple genres. Public Service Broadcasting will bring their one of a kind combination of post rock sonics and immersive historical storytelling, while The Zutons, the Liverpool band that gave the world a timeless singalong hit ‘Valerie’, promise a crowd-pleasing set. Rising stars The Lottery Winners have built a reputation as one of the UK’s most entertaining live bands, and serve to add a fresh edge to the weekend, alongside R&B-inspired pop sensation Daniel Bedingfield as part of an exciting live comeback. Festival favourites Scouting For Girls are sure to draw an enormous crowd to enjoy instantly recognisable and endlessly popular catalog of hits, whilst the hypnotic rhythms of Ibibio Sound Machine and angular and upbeat dance-punk tunes from Home Counties are certain to get everyone dancing.

Scouting for Girls’ frontman Roy Stride, said: “We are delighted to be playing Wychwood Festival this year and look forward to playing all our bangers at such a beautiful family festival. Even more excited that some of my favourite other artists are playing including Shed Seven, James & The Magic Numbers. I might even get down early for a bit of a workout with Joe Wicks!!!  It’s going to be an incredible weekend” 

Public Service Broadcasting said: “We’re really looking forward to coming back to Wychwood Festival – it’s always been a great atmosphere in the past and it’s been too long since we were there. See some of you soon!”

Ibibio Sound Machine said: “We’re excited to be playing at Wychwood festival 2025 alongside so many great acts!”
[download artist press shots]
Elsewhere the soulful desert blues of Mali band Songhoy Blues, the feel-good harmonies of The Magic Numbers and the energetic 8-piece experience of Gentleman’s Dub Club continue the eclectic line-up. Adding a healthy dose of Welsh-wit and nostalgia, Goldie Lookin Chain and The Bug Club bring a unique flair to the program. For fans of viral sea shanties – and there’s evidently plenty of them – Fisherman’s Friends have you covered as leaders of the TikTok-driven revival of this glorious age-old musical tradition.

Wychwood’s centre of amusement, Howlin’ Pete’s, will once again host an array of fun and lighthearted moments, featuring tribute sensations The Smyths, TV and karaoke legend Barrioke, and the Beatles Dub Club. Additional highlights include sets from The Ogretones – the Shrek Tribute Band that has to be seen to be believed, Witney Social Club, and Temps Rising founder DJ Carlton, ensuring a good time for all.

Beyond the music, Wychwood delivers a program brimming with family-friendly activities, arts, and comedy. Fitness personality Joe Wicks will lead a live P.E. session, while the Village Green offers everything from Circus Skills and Magic Workshops to Yoga, Drumming, and the vibrant Sunday Parade. Families can also explore the Storybox Kids’ Literature Festival, unwind in the Healing Gardens or lose those inhibitions into the early hours at the Silent Disco.

With idyllic camping beneath the Prestbury Hills, sensational food and drink, and free entry for children under 10, Wychwood Festival remains a firm favourite for all ages. 

Graeme Merifield, Wychwood Festival Co-Founder, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to unveil next summer’s lineup today! The response to James as our first headliner last month was phenomenal, so we wanted to spread a little early holiday cheer by sharing the rest of our headliners, and more, much earlier than we usually do. Bringing Shed Seven to Cheltenham after their historic run with two number-one albums, and welcoming Doves during their exciting comeback year, has my heart pounding already! But it’s not just about chart hits at Wychwood, we’re also bringing HIITs in 2025… We’re absolutely delighted to have booked in a P.E. session on the main stage with Joe Wicks! This year’s Wychwood lineup is shaping up to be something truly special for the whole family.”

With even more to be revealed over the coming months, Wychwood Festival is renowned for presenting diverse musical lineups, alongside a perfect combination of comedy, arts, 100s of family-friendly activities, and sensational food and drink. Drawing growing audiences of all ages from around the UK and following a fantastic show this year headlined by Sister Sledge, Texas and Ocean Colour Scene, anticipation runs high for the 2025 edition.

Wychwood Festival takes place between 30th May – 1st June 2025 at Cheltenham Racecourse. Tickets for both day and weekend entry are on sale now via: https://wychwoodfestival.com/

Lytham Festival 2025 – Kings Of Leon join line-up

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Kings of Leon are joining the line-up for TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025.

The GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum alternative rock band will headline the North West’s largest live music festival on Wednesday July 2 joining the already announced headliners – Canadian/American singer, songwriter and musician Alanis Morissette (Fri 4), global superstar Justin Timberlake (Sat 5) and Scottish rock icons Simple Minds and Texas (Sun 6).

Details of the Thursday night headliner and special guests will be revealed soon. Tickets for Kings of Leon go on sale at 9am Friday from lythamfestival.com. Individual tickets for Friday to Sunday and five-day passes are on sale now.

Since their debut in 2003, Kings of Leon – brothers Caleb (guitar/vocals), Nathan (drums) and Jared Followill (bass), and their cousin Matthew Followill (guitar) – have released nine studio albums selling more than 20 million copies, and almost 40 million singles worldwide.

In the UK alone, the multi-platinum selling band has reached the Top 10 with all their albums including six that hit the Number One spot.

In addition, they have had eight GRAMMY Nominations, three GRAMMY Award wins, three NME Awards, two BRIT Awards, and one Juno Award. They have toured all over the world headlining the biggest festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, Reading & Leeds on three occasions and multiple Lollapalooza’s.

This year has seen the band complete a world tour which included a huge show at London’s BST in Hyde Park – an unprecedented record breaking fifth time they have played the iconic location – as well as release their ninth full-length studio album, Can We Please Have Fun.

Lytham Festival co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We are delighted to be announcing Kings of Leon as a headliner for Lytham Festival, and we can’t wait to hear them performing songs from across their unparalleled nine album catalogue of Alternative Rock.

“They join our already brilliant line-up featuring Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake and Simple Minds and Texas and we still have one more headliner to reveal along with a whole load of special guests. It might only be December but Lytham Festival 2025 will be here before we know it and we can’t wait to get out on the Green for five days of incredible live music on the Lancashire coast.”

Seven-time GRAMMY Award winning singer, songwriter and musician Alanis Morissette will headline Lytham Festival on Friday July 4.

Saturday July 5 will see multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter and actor Justin Timberlake bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Lytham Green.

And the closing night of Lytham Festival on Sunday July 6 will see a double headlining set from global rock icons and Scottish legends Simple Minds and Texas.

TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025 returns Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 July. For more information and to secure tickets head to lythamfestival.com