Metal

Top 10 Download Festival Side Quests – 2026

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With Download Festival creeping up on us, the group chat is probably full of set clashes and rabid weather-watch to see if you need to pack wellies or suncream. Let’s face it, it’s probably both. Now I love that we have access to great festival apps these days, live set-times and easy maps… great stuff, excellent use of technology outside of cat videos to be honest.

The problem is: modern festivals are too connected for shenanigans. In the early noughties you could lose your mates for six glorious hours and call it character development. Some of my best stories are about the things we did when we lost everyone to the crowd, like that time our mate Jimmy was so stoned he just joined a queue for a bit so he could chat to people – and ended up being one of the lucky VIP area wristband holders that year… bastard.

Now, with everyone trackable on snap and pin-drops, you have to choose adventure. Reject life-long friendships and go be a silly hobbit for a while, for a treat. Here’s my list of stuff you could stumble into, if you choose…

  • 1. Find Five (the band) and commit to the bit: Somewhere at Download, the spirit of late-90s pop refuses to die. You’re lying if you say you don’t know the lyrics to at least one Five song, that shit is etched into your brain from the school disco and at a month out, you’ve still got time to relearn the choreography. Bonus points if you bring the shockwaves gel and hedgehog your hair in a classic Scott style.
  • 2. Get a tattoo from Old Sarum: The truly committed return home with merch that can’t be lost in a tent collapse. Fan faves: Download totem, the iconic Dog, classic barbed wire around the bicep, bees on your knees, or a beautifully questionable tramp stamp. They usually drop a flash sheet closer to the event, so keep your eyes peeled and your impulse control lower than usual. But like, keep it clean and out of the sun babes, we do not want Sepsis as a going home present.
  • 3. Learn rock sign language from the interpreters: Stage-side interpreters are doing elite-level multitasking: translating lyrics, capturing attitude, and somehow keeping time while the crowd turns into a washing machine. Watch them for five minutes and you’ll realise you’ve been underperforming with your hands your entire life. Bonus points if you learn a few signs and can still headbang without poking yourself in the eyeballs.

  • 4. Sky catapult:  There’s something very nostalgic about the screaming, and I always wonder what possesses people to want to do this. Some sort of ancestral longing to feel the force of the trebuchet? Oh well, a classic DL experience, but I caution you to pick whatever meal you eat beforehand wisely. There’s ‘festival memory’ and then there’s “someone filmed it and it’s on TikTok forever.”
  • 5. Join Swappie Fest and become a tiny-gift goblin: Swappie Fest has a famously wholesome Facebook group (500+ members and growing) and the vibe is pure crafty magic: I’ve seen bracelets, keyrings, crochet punky duck charms, sweets, stickers, handmade mini dreamcatchers… you name it. You’ve got enough time to join the fun if you want to be a trinket gifter, get on it!
  • 6. Investigate the mysterious Fourth Wing thing: Apparently there’s some kind of Fourth Wing activation (yes, that Fourth Wing—Rebecca Yarros). At the time of writing there’s only the promo post, meaning nobody knows what’s actually happening. If we can’t get real dragons, I don’t know if I’m emotionally prepared to care… but I know the BookTok girlies are not going to want to miss whatever this is.
  • 7. Do RockFit (or, if you’re unhinged, join the campsite runners): RockFit is a great way to feel like a functioning person before the day turns into pints and pit dust. There’s also the running-partner crowd—people who, for reasons beyond science, want to jog around the campsites in the morning. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be doing what nature intended: slithering out of the tent like a slug at sunrise and drinking whatever hideously warm liquid we find by the door, just to choke down an oat bar.
  • 8. Play Red Hat Round Up: Take a drink every time you see a Fred Durst red cap in the wild. Yes, it’s still everywhere. No, he doesn’t even wear a red cap himself anymore. Yes, I still wish he would. (Pace yourself. You’ve got a weekend to survive.)
  • 9. Dogstar Cosplay: Show up dressed as the Wyld Stallyns. Or better: go as Rufus. Or better still: get a whole group together and turn the mosh pit into the Bill & Ted history montage—Socrates, Freud, Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, the lot. It’s educational.
  • 10. Hit K‑pop Emo Hunters at the silent disco: Over in the Ace of Spades, K‑pop Emo Hunters runs as a silent disco with two channels playing simultaneously: Emo and K‑pop. That means you’ll watch two completely different dance-floor narratives happening in the same physical space, enjoy the chaos and the musical whiplash and most importantly SEAL THE HONMOON.

That should be more than enough official stuff to get you going, but remember – the best adventures are the ones you never prepare for, so keep your eyes and ears open for anything that sounds like it might be worth retelling over the next few decades of your life…

Bonus side quest: Don’t watch the World Cup—apparently Download wants nothing to do with it…

The latest Bloodstock News

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How about a whole host of excellent BLOODSTOCK news that doesn’t announce a single band?
BLOODSTOCKers, we know you’ve been asking, and HQ wants you to have pleeeenty of time to plan the most splendid FANCY DRESS outfits, so without further delay, here are the themes for 2026! 

On Thursday, we know it’s been done before, but with HEAVYSAURUS on the bill and it being SO MUCH FUN, it has to be DINOSAURS again. That costume you bought a couple years back is now excellent value for money, huh?
On Friday, we embrace the dark, the macabre, and the creative… we want to see how you interpret TWISTED FAIRYTALES as a theme! Black widow bitten Miss Muffet? Malice in Wonderland? Goth fairies welcome! 
Saturday rolls back the clock to the 1980’s! Bring out your best ‘80’s fashion (mullets encouraged, neon leg warmers optional), or be a character from your fave ‘80s movie, TV show, or band! There is no such thing as too much leopard print. 

On Sunday, there’s a special treat in the RAM Gallery, as festival founder and renowned fantasy artist Paul Gregory will be exhibiting his original, oil on canvas, Lord Of The Rings-inspired painting ‘Morannon’! An impressive 1.8m x 3m in size, it was last exhibited over 20 years ago at the indoor BLOODSTOCK. In honour, Sunday’s fancy dress theme will be LORD OF THE RINGS / FANTASY! Come as a dragon, a wizard, an orc, or even as Gollum, my precious.

We’re looking forward to seeing your GRWM reels already. Be sure to tag Bloodstock on your socials and we might re-share our favourites.
Drumroll please, BLOODSTOCK can confirm the return of the unmissable BLACK ICE CREAM, with a new and improved recipe. If you want to get some, make sure you head to the ice cream truck located closest to the Ronnie James Dio main stage!

With such a wide range of food available, BLOODSTOCK recommends you eat more than just ice cream all festival. There’s everything from vegan fried chik’n/sushi and salad boxes, to pies, Bunnychow, paella, smoked meats, gyoza, wraps, Spudman, mac ‘n’ cheese, and more. Head to https://bloodstock.uk.com/events/boa-2026/traders for full details of all food that will be on site, including gluten-free, halal, veggie, and vegan options. While this graphic doesn’t cover every single food vendor on site, it’s a handy quick guide.

There’s free drinking water at designated water points in the campsites and main arena, so remember to bring a refillable non-glass bottle with you and please stay hydrated.

There’s more info at the same link about some of the market traders you can find in the main arena if you’re keen to do some heavy metal shopping in between bands, from clothes both new and vintage, accessories, housewares, face painting, music, sculptures, and more! There’s also a big selection of silver and stainless steel jewellery, not least from Nox of York’s Black Feather – perhaps treat yourself to their twin axe pendant, a cool collab with headliner alumni Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage!

From tent pegs to tampons, and any other essentials you’ve forgotten, there’s a supermarket in the Midgard campsite (and a small shop in the main arena) plus Fat Frank’s Camping Store, where they’ll also inflate your air bed for a better night’s sleep!


OH, YOU’RE DOING VIP? Did you manage to snap up a now-sold-out VIP ticket for this year? You’ll want to click over to https://www.facebook.com/BloodstockVIP, for details of this year’s exclusive Serpents Lair entertainment – Deadliners have been revealed and a Never Mind The Bloodstocks quiz compered by Raised By Owls is already confirmed, with more announcements to come! 

You can also learn how to book for the ultra luxe The Spa @ facility in the VIP campsite (which is in addition to the free VIP campsite Get Ready station with DIY hair-dryers, straighteners, and mirrors). There’s also a new VIP Spa Pass that includes non-alcoholic welcome bubbly, experience shower with bespoke aromatherapy, wood-fired hot tub & sauna (with a birch whisk), cold plunge bath, mineral salt bath, fire pit, relaxation area, and unlimited herbal teas & fruit-infused water! The Spa @ is bookable (limited spaces) Thurs – Mon.

But that’s not all… the VIP Pamper Parlour offers:The Hair Chair – Mohawks, braids, blowouts, and battle-ready stylesThe Beard Bar – Viking plaits, cooling mists, facials & SPF finish Hell Bound & Highlighted – Warpaint, blackout eyes, blood red lips, make-up glitter & gemsWeary Warriors – Massage, facials, reflexology, & reiki to reset mind and body .

Keep an eye on the VIP page, because in the coming weeks you can also find out what classic movies will be showing this year (mornings Fri – Sun), plus all the interesting ales and ciders you can find at the Serpents Lair bar (some are also gluten free). If you missed out on VIP tickets, check Tixel as the official ticket resale partner.



When the bands stop, the fun doesn’t – late night shenanigans kick off for all BLOODSTOCKers at the Stowford Press New Blood and Sophie Lancaster stages!

Thursday: the legendary silent disco levels up at the New Blood Stage from 11pm-2am with more channels and headsets than ever! Rich Harris holds down rock/metal, Little M takes dance, while Jamie Haines and Lloyd split ’50s-’90s pop vs hardstyle/techno before switching to noughties pop vs jungle/drum ‘n’ bass. Then over at the Sophie Stage from 12-2am, DJ Pressplay kicks off his Welcome Party with prime cuts from the weekend’s bands plus rock and alternative bangers to set the tone.

Friday: Rich Harris returns to New Blood from 11pm-2am to host Rage Against the ’90s – a full volume night of nu-metal, grunge and stoner vibes featuring Deftones, Korn, Alice in Chains, Static-X, Pantera, RATM, Slipknot and more. And that’ll include a special guest DJ set from none other than BIOHAZARD‘s Evan Seinfeld! Over at the Sophie Stage from 12-2am, Lloyd and Little M return for year four with the Blood Rave – electronic, industrial and heavy dance inspired by the opening scene in Blade.

Saturday: The silent disco returns to New Blood from 11pm-2am with four channels – Rich Harris on rock/metal, Little M on club classics, Lloyd on cheese/pop, and DJ Pressplay delivering a full set of modern & classic country for your very own hoedown. At the Sophie Stage from 12-2am, DJ Arockalypse’s Gary Newey is joined by trap metal sensation N0trixx for guilty pleasures and classic alternative tunes with a twist.

Sunday: Round off the weekend at the Sophie Stage from 12-2am with Rich Harris’s closing party – classic singalongs, a taste of next year’s bands, and songs to carry you through summer.





Every year, BLOODSTOCK likes to highlight and support a couple of charities. BLOODSTOCK is pleased to confirm that charity partners for 2026 will be the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Heavy Metal Truants.

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/. 



After 13 annual cycle rides from London to Download Festival, this year the HEAVY METAL TRUANTS are charting a new path to glory — destination: BLOODSTOCK.

Co-founded in 2013 by Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood and then Metal Hammer Editor In Chief Alexander Milas, the Heavy Metal Truants have so far raised over £1.6 million for four children’s charities: Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins Music Therapy, Childline, and Save The Children. Since its beginning, this unique initiative has been spearheaded by a three day, 30-person, 175-mile cycle from London to the gates of a major metal festival, and now that destination is BLOODSTOCK. 

Sign-ups for Heavy Metal Truants HMTXIV are open NOW! You don’t even need to use your own bike, a hire one can be provided. The 2026 ride will invite cyclists (inc rockstars who aren’t too posh to pedal) of all backgrounds and abilities to take up the gruelling but camaraderie-packed challenge of cycling 175 miles with a single goal: raising vital funds for kids in need. Previous years have seen members of Amon Amarth, Trivium, Judas Priest, Enter Shikari, Orange Goblin, and more take part… you never know who you might end up peddling next to! And when you arrive at BLOODSTOCK triumphant, expect a hero’s welcome, before enjoying all the festival has to offer with an included guest weekend ticket.

As in previous years, the Heavy Metal Truants will also include a series of virtual challenges so walkers, swimmers, runners, cyclists, and more from all over the world can also support and take part!
See the itinerary. For more info and registration: www.heavymetaltruants.com. Follow on social: @hmtruants
Big Green COACH, not Crocodile.

Planning your route to BLOODSTOCK yet? For the closest drop-off on site and also eco points, why not come via a carbon-neutral BIG GREEN COACH? There are pick-up points all across the U.K.! And for the first time ever, you can now book your official coach travel to arrive on Wednesday as well as Thursday, helping you to take advantage of the add-on Wednesday Early Bird ticket option for an extra night of metal shenanigans! For those coming by train into Tamworth station, BLOODSTOCK can also confirm that the shuttle bus to site will also run on Wednesday! Get full info & book your seat with Big Green Coach HERE.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Sophie Lancaster stage headliners will be CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see BODY COUNT, SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, THROWN INTO EXILE, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, ALUNAH, VOID BELOW, TEMPLES ON MARS, NEGATIVE FRAME, CONCRETE AGE, THRASHERWOLF, IMPERIAL DEMONIC, CHAINED SAINT, IMBRIUM, OVERPOWER, UNTAMED SILENCE, CHANGE PERSONA, AFTER SMOKE CLEARS, SOULRIDE, VANITAS, GOAT MAJOR, CANCEL THE TRANSMISSION, TEMPEST SAINT, TROLLMOTHER, DOSED, STITCHED, WREX, FOLLOWING THE SIGNS, THE CARTOON CARTEL, and AETHORIA. And there’s still more bands to be announced. 

All weekend tickets (including Kyrr) are now sold out, but you can still snap up day tickets for £99 (+fees) to be part of the fun! Not been to the festival before? A day ticket is a perfect taster to see what you think! Child tickets are also available and under 4’s attend for free. Head over to the ticket store to see all options and if you’re coming by car, pre-book to save on car parking! 

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BLOODSTOCK shares M2TM finals, plus 24 bands for the New Blood & EMP Stages

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Are you ready for the battle to end all battles (dinosaurs optional)?! Presented by Westons Stowford Press, the METAL 2 THE MASSES grand finals start in Cyprus on April 19th and roll through 30 locations across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Norway, as well as Cyprus!

Every winner will perform a 30 minute slot on the Stowford Press New Blood Stage! Round up your mates and get along to your local night – help shape the line-up of the festival and support grassroots venues and bands.

Dates and locations shake down as follows: 

April 19th – Cyprus – Savino Live, Larnaca
May 8th – Belfast – Voodoo
May 23rd – Leeds – The Belgrave
May 23rd – Scotland – La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
May 23rd – Sheffield – Corporation
May 29th – South Coast – Bear Cave, Bournemouth
May 30th – Northants – The Black Prince, Northampton
June 6th – Manchester – Rebellion
June 6th – East Anglia – Brickmakers, Norwich
June 6th – Birmingham – The Flapper
June 13th – Norway – The Tribute, Sandnes
June 20th – North Wales – XS @ Penny Black, Wrexham
June 20th – South Wales – Corn Exchange, Newport
June 20th – Hitchin – Club 85
June 20th – Somerset – Cobblestones, Bridgwater
June 20th – Newcastle – Trillians
June 20th – Kent – Leo’s Red Lion, Gravesend
June 26th – Channel Islands – The Pit @ St James, Guernsey
June 26th – Cheltenham – Frog and Fiddle
June 27th – Nottingham – Saltbox
June 27th – Burnley – Sanctuary
June 27th – Coventry – The Arches
July 4th – Merseyside – Box Park & Arc:Hive, Liverpool
July 4th – London – The Dome
July 4th – Brighton – Daltons
July 4th – Devon & Cornwall – Livewire, Saltash
July 5th – Nuneaton – The Queens Hall
July 11th – Oxford – The Jericho Tavern
July 11th – Stoke – The Underground
July 12th – Bristol – The Exchange

No other festival does more to support grassroots metal and local venues across the UK and beyond. That commitment was recognised at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards, where BLOODSTOCK and the Metal 2 The Masses initiative were honoured with the prestigious “H Award” for exceptional contribution to the underground scene.

You can get a flavour of what Metal 2 The Masses is all about here.
In exciting news for all BLOODSTOCK’s M2TM winners this year, fellow sponsors ESP and Engl Amps are offering up 3 incredible prizes, to be chosen from amongst the M2TM victors performing at the festival and presented on Sunday evening. The prizes include a new-for-2026, EC400 Quilted Maple guitar in See Through Black, a Phoenix 204DX bass in Redburst, and a Ravager IR amp head with a matching 1×12 Cab! 

Got your tickets? Without further ado, let’s reveal a massive 24 more bands joining the heavy metal party this August!
While you’re waiting for those M2TM finals to get underway and shape the majority of the New Blood stage line-up, BLOODSTOCK HQ has chosen a few other favourites from hundreds of cross-genre submissions to complete the bill. Stop by and discover your new favourite band! On Friday, you’ll be able to see death/doom devotees VOID BELOW, alt prog rock Londoners TEMPLES ON MARS, boisterous hardcore-metal alchemists NEGATIVE FRAME, and CONCRETE AGE, with their distinctive mix of ancient world music with extreme metal. 

Joining them on Saturday, are old school riff merchants THRASHERWOLF, N.Irish melo-death purveyors IMPERIAL DEMONIC, young aggressors CHAINED SAINT, and dark prog metal fiends IMBRIUM (featuring former members of Dreamcatcher, Memoreve and The Defiled). Not to be outdone, Sunday invites OVERPOWER, who forge together riffs of early influences like Metallica and Slayer, with the savagery of UKHC.  

BLOODSTOCK is also excited to reveal the full line-up for the new and improved EMP stage! Now situated in a new location in the main arena for less noise bleed, with a bigger stage and a bar, it’ll play host to more than a dozen up ‘n’ coming attention getters, so if you like to discover hot new music first, make sure you check out some bands here as well over the festival!

Friday welcomes heavy rockers UNTAMED SILENCE, melodic punkcore beasts CHANGE PERSONA, metalcore headbangers AFTER SMOKE CLEARS, rock-metal hybrid SOULRIDE, and symphonic prog metallers VANITAS.   Saturday offers occult doomsters GOAT MAJOR, modern classic rockers CANCEL THE TRANSMISSION, trad metalheads TEMPEST SAINT, power sludge duo TROLLMOTHER, and hardcore punkers DOSED. 

Rounding things off on Sunday are hardcore fans STITCHED, electro alt rockers WREX, modern metal squad FOLLOWING THE SIGNS, power trio THE CARTOON CARTEL, and dark alt crew AETHORIA.
If these bands are new to you, you have 4 months to get to know them!
To help you pass the time, BLOODSTOCK has also set up eleven special club nights around the U.K. where you can win BLOODSTOCK tickets to the day of your choice! For a riotous night out, put on your glad rags and run-don’t-walk to the following:

Sat 25th April – Camberley, Agincourt – Old Skool Rock and Metal NightSat
25th April – York, Bluebox – DeadboltSat
25th April – Manchester, Rebellion – Deadbolt
Sat 9th May – Bristol, Basement 45 – Apocalypse
Fri 5th June – Guildford, All Bar One – Schism
Sat 6th June – Brighton, Above – Apocalypse
Sat 6th June – Birmingham, RedCorc Bar – Eddie’s Rock Club
Sat 6th June – Nottingham, Rock City – Alpha Omega
Sat 11th July – Isle of Wight, Strings – Apocalypse
Sat 25th July – Southampton, Sobar – Apocalypse
Fri 31st July – London, Elektrowerkz – Voodoo

Stay tuned for more BLOODSTOCK news very soon.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Sophie Lancaster stage headliners will be CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see BODY COUNT, SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, THROWN INTO EXILE, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, and ALUNAH. And there’s still more bands to be announced. 

All weekend tickets (including Kyrr) are now sold out, but you can still snap up day tickets for £99 (+fees) to be part of the fun! Not been to the festival before? A day ticket is a perfect taster to see what you think! Child tickets are also available and under 4’s attend for free. Head over to the ticket store to see all options and if you’re coming by car, pre-book to save on car parking! 

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

DOWNLOAD XXIII: District X Stage Reveals a Sensational 2026 Lineup: Five, Electric Six, Dick & Dom, The All American Rejects and more

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With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed the thrilling line-up for its ultimate playground, District X. Featuring the likes of Five, Electric Six, Dick & Dom, The All-American Rejects, Creeper, MODESTEP, Bat Sabbath, TokenGrass and all sorts of other wild and wonderful delights, District X promises to take Downloaders to another dimension once again. Taking place from 10-14 June 2026 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to re-define the traditional festival experience. Weekend camping tickets have now sold out, but final remaining weekend arena and day tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
This year, iconic 90s boyband Five will live up to their lyric “Five bad boys with the power to rock you” by playing Download Festival for the very first time and bringing their high-energy hits like ‘Slam Dunk (Da Funk)’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’ to Donington Park. Five won’t be the only act bringing a huge sense of fun to District X, as Electric Six will also be performing huge hits like ‘Gay Bar’ and ‘Danger! High Voltage’.
 
There truly won’t be a dull moment in District X, with acoustic performances from The All-American Rejects, secret sets (to be revealed on the weekend itself), DJ sets from Dick & Dom, Creeper, MODESTEP, Cancer Bats’ Liam Cormier (who will also be performing with Black Sabbath x Cancer Bats act Bat Sabbath) and Holding Absence’s Lucas Woodland, live comedy, live sets from Australian rock band DUNE RATS, London rap trio Frozemode and much more.
 
Further District X highlights include TokenGrass (a bluegrass tribute to Sleep Token), Nic Cage Against The Machine (a Rage Against The Machine tribute band fronted by a Nic Cage impersonator), comedy music trio OCT, viral sensation James B. Partridge’s Primary School Bangers, Scottish accordion player RuMac, and a plethora of other joyful experiences. There will also be a full programme of live comedy presented by the world famous The Comedy Store, with stand-up from over 25 acts including Thomas Green, Matt Bragg, Felicity Ward, Dinesh Nathan, Sikisa and many more.
 
District X will see a host of live podcasts taking to the stage, including RØRY’s ADHD Love, Sappenin Podcast and The Metal Roundup Podcast. Other highlights will include Heavy Metal Sports, Bongo’s Bingo, Panic! At The Bingo, Chris Fleming Millennial Magician, Live Band Karaoke with Ten Years Too Late, Never Mind The Download pub quizzes, as well as endless DJ sets and fun surprises from the likes of K-Pop Emo Hunters, Nickelbrat, Master Of Pop Hits, Alex Baker, Sophie K and dozens more.
 
This packed line-up confirms that District X remains the ultimate entertainment hub, offering Downloaders an unforgettable festival experience from dusk until dawn. And over in the main arena, DLXXIII will be headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, with the likes of A Day To Remember, Scooter, Electric Callboy, Cypress Hill, Pendulum, Bad Omens, The Pretty Reckless, Trivium, Halestorm, BABYMETAL, Tom Morello, Dogstar and many more joining them on the bill. Weekend camping tickets are now sold out, but final remaining weekend arena and day tickets are available from www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

BLOODSTOCK & TRIVIUM premiere band’s 2025 headline set tonight at 7pm GMT

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The horns go up tonight as BLOODSTOCK and TRIVIUM unleash the professionally filmed premiere of the full TRIVIUM headline set from BLOODSTOCK 2025. 

Long hailed as Britain’s fiercest independent metal gathering – a pilgrimage for die-hards, riff worshippers and circle-pit lifers alike – BLOODSTOCK has built its reputation on moments that become legend. This is one of them! Florida’s modern metal standard-bearers arrived in full command: razor-tight, arena-sized, and utterly fearless.

TRIVIUM’s career-spanning set was packed with deep cuts, fan favourites, surprise special guests, and iconic moments, including the live debut of new track “Bury Me With My Screams”, making this 90-minute, 18-song performance an essential watch for TRIVIUM fans and metalheads alike.

Stream it at 7pm GMT tonight on the festival’s official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/3WA0RbO04GU 
Critics instantly recognised the performance as historic. Metal Hammer praised the spectacle and scale, noting that guest appearances from Machine Head’s Robb Flynn, Ihsahn from Emperor, Sleep Token guitarist III and Malevolence’s Josh Baines added “extra star power” to an “anthem-stuffed headline set” packed with classics, covers of songs by Black Sabbath and Metallica, and enough flames and explosions to seal its status as “another legend-worthy gig.”

It was obvious this was something special. Kerrang! commented that although the band first headlined BLOODSTOCK in 2015, this show “blows that out of the water in terms of unbridled confidence and understanding of exactly who they are,” while Rock Sound hailed the set as “a celebration of metal itself… A true all-time classic.” Even The Guardian, awarding the 2025 event a full five stars, singled out the set as “a proud celebration of all things metal.”

Be sure to subscribe to BLOODSTOCK’s official YouTube for more exclusive live clips to come, and while you’re there, why not have a browse of the incredible wealth of live clips already uploaded for your viewing pleasure, including five clips from GOJIRA‘s equally dazzling headline set in 2025!

PHOTOS BELOW BY KATJA OGRIN (TL: MATT HEAFY & SLEEP TOKEN’S III; TR: MATT HEAFY & ROBB FLYNN)AND STEVE DEMPSEY (BL: TRIVIUM WITH JOSH BAINES; BR: MATT HEAFY WITH IHSAHN)

BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING RETURNS FOR 2026!

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After an unforgettable debut last year, BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING storms back this winter, bringing the spirit of the UK’s premier metal festival indoors once again for a full day of festive heaviness. Returning to take over KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton, on Saturday 5th December 2026, this one-day celebration promises towering riffs, intimate chaos, and all the community magic that BLOODSTOCK is known for.

Just a 20-minute walk from Wolverhampton station, with all-day parking nearby for a couple of quid, KK’s Steelmill is easy to get to. Alongside a stacked lineup of crushing bands, there’s a range of food available to help you keep up your energy for 8 hours of solid headbanging, plus a fully stocked bar serving drinks throughout the event, with cash, card, and contactless all accepted. And because December is definitely coat weather, there’s a cloakroom available too – drop off your big coat and warm up in the pit!

Doors will open at 2pm, with bands performing from 3pm – 11pm, ensuring wall-to-wall metal across two stages from start to finish.

Headlining the main stage are Greek metal legends ROTTING CHRIST, whose ritualistic blend of black metal, gothic atmosphere, and commanding live presence has earned them acclaim across more than three decades. Joining them are Ukrainian blackened death metal outfit 1914, whose harrowing, World War I-themed sound delivers both sonic brutality and emotional weight. Leeds crossover thrashers PEST CONTROL bring razor-sharp riffs and ferocious energy, while vivacious slam extremists PARTY CANNON guarantee chaos, colour, and full-bore pit action.

Self-proclaimed neoclassical fantasy pirates RED RUM offer up swashbuckling riffs and theatrical flair, but perhaps impeccable, classic doom purveyors WITCHSORROW will be more your thing? Kicking proceedings off in style, punk-infused eclectic progsters SQUARE WILD will open the stage.

The second stage is headlined by UK thrash powerhouse SHRAPNEL, delivering precision aggression and modern bite. They are joined by doom/death heavyweights THE CRAWLING, epic metal storytellers MOON REAPER, and Staffs-based punk bruisers HEAD DENT. Also appearing on the second stage is a live Bloodstock Festival Management Q&A, giving fans a rare chance to hear directly from the team behind the festival and ask their burning questions.
Beyond the music, WINTER GATHERING once again delivers the extras that made last year so special, including S’tanta’s Grotto, band signing sessions, giveaways, and the now-infamous snow machine making its frosty return.

BLOODSTOCK and WINTER GATHERING co-director Vicky Hungerford comments, “Last year’s Winter Gathering was honestly such a blast — it reminded us exactly why Bloodstock began as an indoor event in the first place. The atmosphere was so intimate and felt just like those early days. We’ve got loads of fun things planned for 2026 and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. It’s basically our Bloodstock Christmas party!”

Tickets are on sale immediately, priced at £55 (+ booking fees) – grab them now here. 

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

BLOODSTOCK detail new tickets & infrastructure changes

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Guess who just dropped ticket news? BLOODSTOCK, that’s who. And BLOODSTOCK’s not stopping there – your post-festival feedback has sparked some exciting infrastructure upgrades for 2026. Plus new merch is on the way, and for the easiest camping experience ever, you can now snag a pre-pitched tent. Read on…

First – mark your calendar and set your alarm, all tickets detailed below will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 29th October at the official ticket store. Don’t hang about if you’re keen, because all tickets are available in limited quantities! 


Following a recent site meeting, BLOODSTOCK can confirm that the KYRR CAMPSITE will return in 2026! So, if you’d thought your chances of snagging a weekend ticket for BLOODSTOCK were high and dry, think again! As before, it’s important to note that Kyrr will be a quiet campsite, and buying a Kyrr ticket means you can only camp in the Kyrr campsite.

Adult Kyrr tickets (full weekend inc camping Thu-Sun) will be £210 (+ fees). There will also be a child Kyrr ticket available priced £69 (+ fees), for children aged 4-11 years old. Under 4’s go free. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or over. The Kyrr campsite will be available from Wednesday if you have also bought a Wednesday early arrival ticket (available separately in the ticket store)!

Note: if you buy a Kyrr ticket and arrive by car, in 2026 you will park in the main public car park and can fast track by crossing the road at the traffic lights from the main car park straight into the Kyrr campsite to collect your Kyrr wristband. If you buy a Kyrr ticket and are coming by coach, you will need to collect your Kyrr wristband from the main entrance box office (next door to the coach drop off point).



Sisters (of Mercy?) photo:@LimSangPhotography

CAMPERVANS! BLOODSTOCK heard your prayers, and a handful of extra campervan tickets (priced £130 + fees, without power) will also go on sale at 9am, Wednesday 29th October. They’re going to go fast, so be ready.

DAY TICKETS! If you can’t make it for the full event or perhaps you haven’t been before and want to do just a day to see what it’s like, pick your favourite day and grab a day ticket! These do not include camping or access to the campsites.

Adult day tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are priced £99 (+fees). You have access to the main arena from 10am – 2am on the day your ticket is for.

Child day tickets Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are priced £59 (+ fees) and are for children aged 4-11 years old. Under 4s go free. They also have access to the main arena from 10am – 2am on the day the ticket is for. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years or over at all times.

With the main stage open especially for 2026 on Thursday too, you can also buy tickets just for Thursday! Thursday tickets give access to the main arena from 4pm – 2am. Adult Thursday day tickets are priced £59 (+ fees), child Thursday tix are £39 (+ fees, aged 4-11). 

PARKING! Coming by car? Day parking on Thursday costs £15 (+ fees) and covers 3pm – 3am. Day parking Friday, Saturday, or Sunday costs £20 (+ fees) and covers 9am – 3am. Full weekend parking costs £30 (+ fees). Note, these are advance booking prices, parking purchased on the gate on the day will be £5 more expensive. To pre-book parking, go to the official ticket store.

SITE CHANGES! As always, BLOODSTOCK is By The Fans, For The Fans. Festival HQ have read all your post event feedback, held some meetings, walked around the site, and can now confirm two major site changes for 2026. 
Due to the popularity of the Sophie Lancaster stage and the increased production that bands are now bringing in, BLOODSTOCK is increasing the size of the Big Top! The stage will remain enclosed rather than open air, but will be noticeably larger in 2026. 

The EMP stage is on the move! This stage will return in 2026, but at a new location in the main arena, meaning it’ll no longer compete with the thundering flow of metalheads from the main stage & neighbouring sound. BLOODSTOCK can therefore also significantly increase the viewing space, so both fans and bands have a better experience!



PRE-PITCHED TENTS! Tangerine Fields and BLOODSTOCK are inviting metal fans to go greener next summer by booking pre-pitched tents in the ASGARD campsite – a simple switch that slashes single-use tent waste and makes arrival effortless. Just turn up to a ready-to-go tent, and when the festival’s over, Tangerine Fields packs it all away! No hauling gear, no missing poles, no packing down. Bonus: any sleeping bags left behind are donated to charities, keeping gear in use and out of landfill. With tents stored close to the festival, transport miles and emissions are also cut.  Reusing complements recycling and takes sustainability one step further. Interested?

Book through Tangerine Fields, bring your festival ticket, and enjoy a greener, hassle-free BLOODSTOCK!

HOT NEW MERCH! Get ready, because some brand new items are set to launch in the official merch store on Halloween, 31st October! Maybe you’re getting ahead on your Christmas shopping?

Look out for an uber cool black-on-black design which you’ll be able to get on a tote bag, flat cap, hoodie, apron, and glass Christmas bauble! While you’re waiting, the Halloween t-shirt is on sale now, this year’s oh-so-stylish Christmas jumper is now available, and have you seen the battle jacket yet?  Shop here.
DID WE MENTION TIXEL YET? If you’ve missed out on your preferred ticket type, all hope is not lost, because if you sign up to official resale partner Tixel, you might still be able to snap up your preferred ticket type. 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 installment plan purchases.

Click through to https://tixel.com/uk/bloodstock-tickets for more information on how it works. 

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, THROWN INTO EXILE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, TRIVAX, MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR, BLOOD COUNTESS, GURT, OUTERGODS, FLAYED DISCIPLE, NOISEPICKER, ACID THRONE, and ALUNAH.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BLOODSTOCK REVEAL BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, & MORE BANDS FOR 2026

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With Halloween around the corner, BLOODSTOCK has some early treats to share, by way of some fiendishly good bands to announce! No tricks here. Hot on the heels of the recent reveal of special guests BODY COUNT, today BLOODSTOCK can tell you another 10 bands who’ll be treading the boards at Catton Park next summer, and if you’re quick, you might just manage to snap up the last of the standard weekend tickets before the box office goblin swoops in with the giant sold out stamp. 

Striding onto the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Sunday, will be the mighty BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Led by the inimitable, master storyteller Zakk Wylde, do they need any more introduction? Warm up your necks in advance headbangers, you’ll need it. Not ones to be intimidated by that hefty gut punch, Friday sees prime deathcore dealers FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY join the bill. 

The Sophie Lancaster stage is no slouch either. Thursday welcomes back Birmingham’s previous Metal 2 The Masses winners, boisterous lads MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR. Friday confirms sanguine-soaked black metal squad BLOOD COUNTESS and party sludge noiseniks GURT, both poised to enter the realms of BLOODSTOCK lore.

Keeping the metal heavy on Saturday, bear witness to the bleak sounds of blackened death & grind alchemists OUTERGODS. If you thought Sunday was a good day for a rest after all that, you thought wrong, because abrasive doom/punk/blues fans NOISEPICKER, stoner doomsters ALUNAH, death/thrash beasts FLAYED DISCIPLE, and Norwich doom trio ACID THRONE are fully committed to ensuring you round up your best metal weekender ever in blistering style!

There’s no time like the present to get your tickets ordered and start getting excited – head to the ticket store now and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.
BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX.

With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCE BODY COUNT FOR 2026

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It’s happening. After years of fans requesting it, BODY COUNT are finally set to tear up BLOODSTOCK in August 2026.  The Grammy-winning crew led by Ice-T will make their long-overdue debut as special guests on the Ronnie James Dio main stage on the festival’s final day, Sunday 9th August, playing directly before headliner JUDAS PRIEST.

No strangers to controversy or crushing riffs, BODY COUNT have been a rallying cry for raw, unapologetic heavy music since the early ‘90s. Born from Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C’s vision to fuse street grit with blistering metal, the band has built a reputation for leveling every stage they set foot on. With a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance (for ‘Bum-Rush’ off their Carnivore album) under their belt, they’re louder, harder, and more relevant than ever. 

Festival director Vicky Hungerford comments, “After 10 years of trying we FINALLY get Body Count to Bloodstock!!! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen and how timely it’s going to be a part of our 25th anniversary celebration!” 

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BODY COUNT join an already heavy-hitting lineup including RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX. Many more bands are still to be announced!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCES 27 MORE BANDS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

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As plans for BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary get underway, the festival has unveiled another 27 bands for 2026’s monumental event. With heavyweights, cult favourites, and rising stars joining the awesome bands already announced, this year’s line-up is shaping up to be one for the ages. And there are still plenty more names yet to come, with approximately 125 bands in total set to appear. Did you know? BLOODSTOCK is going to open the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Thursday now as well! Early bird, campervan, and VIP tickets are already sold out and weekend tickets are over 90% gone, so act quickly to get tickets if you don’t want to miss out!
And so to the bands… 

THURSDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Headlining the opening night on the Ronnie James Dio main stage are none other than British heavy metal legends SAXON. With over four decades of anthems and an iron-clad reputation for blistering live shows, SAXON’s triumphant return to BLOODSTOCK will kick off the weekend in classic style. Expect a masterclass in pure heavy metal power.

Also joining Thursday’s main stage are BLOODSTOCK favourites EVIL SCARECROW, who bring their eccentric, theatrical brand of tongue-in-cheek metal mayhem, and HEAVYSAURUS, the dinosaur-costumed heroes delivering family-friendly metal fun. Previously announced for the Sophie Lancaster stage, HEAVYSAURUS now stomp onto the RJD stage for maximum roar.

FRIDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Prepare for the unnerving, true crime inspired, industrial sounds of SKYND, the outrageous brutal slamming, death metal riot of PARTY CANNON, and the serpentine heavy rock theatrics of BATTLESNAKE.

SATURDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Warm up your necks, thrash-fuelled crossover aggression comes courtesy of London’s INHUMAN NATURE, flying the flag for the new generation of feral thrash.

SUNDAY – RONNIE JAMES DIO STAGE

Closing the weekend in ferocious style, BLOODSTOCK is thrilled to host the BLOODSTOCK debut of Canadian alt-metal pioneers KITTIE. Joining them are occult doom bringers CASTLE RAT – all hail the Rat Queen, boundary-smashing modern hardcore crew GRAPHIC NATURE, and Wild West metal rabble rousers BOOTYARD BANDITS (from Worcester no less).

FRIDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Unleash the chaos with German grindcore absurdists EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, Australian thrash squad HIDDEN INTENT, UK medieval power metallers SELLSWORD, Danish death metal beasts NECKBREAKKER, electro nu-core party-starters SEETHING AKIRA, and rising Scottish extreme metal outfit HAMMER.

SATURDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Expect no compromises from UK hardcore institution STAMPIN GROUND, genre-bending heavy hitters URNE, death metal purists CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, swaggering stoner rock bruisers VIKING SKULL, down-tempo brutality from BOUND IN FEAR, technical groove maestros IMPERIUM, and amphibian doom oddballs FROGLORD.

SUNDAY – SOPHIE LANCASTER STAGE

Round off the weekend with the masked industrial spectacle of MUSHROOMHEAD, soaring alt-rockers DREAM STATE, and blackened extremists TRIVAX.
CHARITY FUNDS RAISED AT BLOODSTOCK 2025

BLOODSTOCK is also proud to share the incredible fundraising achievements from the 2025 event, supporting charity partners Metal For Good and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Guest & media donations raised a fantastic £11,698, with the always popular T-shirt Amnesty adding another £2,120, making a grand total of £13,818 – split equally to provide £6,909 for each charity. In addition, Shepherd Events, who run the BLOODSTOCK bars, made an extra contribution to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation by donating bar tips and running ‘spin to win’ competitions, plus Christopher Roberts and Taylan Rodgers, who worked tirelessly on the bars all weekend, generously donated their entire earnings. That pooled £1725 and Alan Shepherd then rounded it up to give The Sophie Lancaster Foundation an additional £2000.

Katy Baker, Co-Founder of Metal For Good, said:“We have been blown away by the generous support of the Bloodstock team and their wonderful festival goers. We raised a huge amount of money from our stand and through donations from the festival and the merch amnesty, all of which will support incredible community projects using music to change lives. The weekend itself was amazing, so many great bands, smiley faces and brilliant partners – including The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, who we are honoured to share the charity donations with. Thank you to everyone for putting on such an incredible event!”
Help make BLOODSTOCK better! If you attended this year, complete the exit survey here to give your feedback and help with suggestions for 2026! Be sure to leave your details at the end for a chance of winning standard weekend tickets for next summer!

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Important date alert: Applications for accessible access will open at 9am BST on October 11th. For more info and details on how to apply, click here.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Already announced to perform at BLOODSTOCK 2026 are RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, and JUDAS PRIEST. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, your headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

Joining the fun over the full event are SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, and NEVERMORE!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.