With the arrival of spring, the excitement for festival season begins to build – and there’s no better way to kick off the season than by heading to the legendary Donington Park for Download Festival 2025! As the days get longer, festival-goers are prepping their gear, dusting off their band tees, and, for some, even cleaning the boots from last year’s adventures. With just two months to go, it’s time to get ready for three days of pure sonic mayhem that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.
Download 2025 continues to deliver on its promise of an epic weekend, bringing together an incredible mix of rock icons, rising stars, and unbelievable performances. This year, we’re treated to a fresh and exciting lineup of headliners, each set to bring their own unique flair to the festival’s legendary stages.
Green Day kicks things off on Friday with a headline performance that’s sure to set the tone for the weekend. Known for their explosive energy and timeless punk anthems, the American rockers (a personal throwback to my own youth!) are ready to light up Donington Park and make the first night a show to remember. Expect nothing less than high-octane energy, unforgettable sing-alongs, and a true punk rock celebration!
Saturday night will see the mysterious and atmospheric Sleep Token take the stage as headliners. Though some may still be unfamiliar with their sound, Sleep Token has been creating waves in the music world, having sold out massive arena tours in record time. Their blend of heavy and melodic sounds, combined with powerful thematic storytelling, makes them a truly unique act in today’s rock and metal scene. I’m particularly excited to see how they approach their headline slot, and I believe their creativity and passion will make Saturday night one of the most captivating of the weekend.
Closing out Download 2025 on Sunday is the mighty Korn, the nu-metal icons who need no introduction. Their dark, aggressive sound has defined a generation, and their massive 2022 performance at Download proved just how much they’re still at the top of their game. After a sold-out headline show in London last summer, Korn is primed to deliver an unforgettable finale, bringing their signature blend of metal, hip-hop, and industrial rock to the stage. I have no doubt they’ll end the festival with a bang!
What I love about this year’s headliners is the mix of fresh faces and beloved legends – and it’s a perfect reflection of the spirit of Download. It’s all about embracing the new, while still honouring the acts that have shaped the rock and metal community. There’s truly something for everyone.
But it’s not just the headliners that make Download 2025 a must-see festival. With a diverse lineup featuring incredible acts like female-fronted Within Temptation, Spiritbox, Jinjer, and Bullet For My Valentine, there’s no shortage of talent to discover. Plus, get ready for a dose of nostalgia with bands like Mallory Knox and Kids in Glass Houses, and solo artists like Myles Kennedy, and Sophie Lloyd bringing their own brand of rock to the stage. And let’s not forget the return of Steel Panther, the always entertaining The Darkness, and the quirky charm of McFly.
Discovery Music Scotland are ecstatic to see the return of Scottish artists featured on the lineup also! We’re thrilled to see Bleed From Within return after winning the Scottish Live Music Award for ‘Classic Rock and Metal Artist of the Year’. The powerhouse band Twin Atlantic will be rocking the stage, alongside the incredible Dead Pony, who we’ve been following for some time. It’s always fantastic to see Scottish talent represented at such a massive event.
And if the music alone isn’t enough to get you excited, Download Festival 2025 is packed with activities that make it much more than just a concert. From food stalls and fairground rides to themed bars, there’s no shortage of things to keep you entertained between sets. For those camping, the legendary District X is back, bringing with it a high-energy Vengaboys set – yes, you heard that right! Prepare to dance your heart out to their infectious anthems. And that’s just the beginning: District X will also feature multiple secret sets, live podcasts, DJ nights, bingo, and plenty of mini-mosher activities to keep everyone engaged.
Whether you’re there for the heavy metal, the electronic dance beats, or the surprise performances, Download Festival 2025 promises to be a weekend packed with music, fun, and memories to last a lifetime.
So, are you ready to join the Download family? The magic happens when thousands of fans come together to scream, sing, and celebrate their love for music. Discovery Music Scotland is ready to be unapologetically loud – and we want YOU to be part of the action.
Tickets are available now – get yours, and let’s make this year’s Download Festival one to remember!
