Download Festival sets date for first line-up announcement
More than 60 acts will be confirmed
Download Festival has confirmed it will make its first line-up announcement in less than a month’s time.
More than 60 artists playing Download Festival 2025 bill will be revealed on the evening of Tuesday 12th November 2024.
To unleash the first wave of bands and usher in the 2025 event, Download Festival will also be hosting an exclusive ‘Metal Gala’ launch event in London on the same evening.
The 22nd Download Festival take place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire.
DLXXII Early Bird tickets are almost sold out, and fans have until midnight on Monday 11th November to purchase them at a cheaper price. With multiple payment plans and options, fans also can spread ticket costs over the year interest-free.
You can purchase Early Bird tickets here.
Commenting on the 2025 event, Download writes: ‘Download Festival is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025, with significant investments being made into District X and a plethora of exciting non-music programming. The festival continues to commit to enhancing the overall experience across all five days, creating a vibrant community space that encompasses comedy, immersive experiences, live podcasts, family entertainment and diverse food offerings. This investment underscores Download's dedication to providing fans with an all-encompassing festival experience that goes beyond just music, making District X a must-visit destination for attendees looking to immerse themselves in the festival culture.
‘It's essential for fans to act fast, as many ticket options, including the coveted RIP packages, have already sold out. This is the last opportunity for festivalgoers to secure their tickets at a lower price before the highly anticipated lineup announcement. With the demand for DLXXII reaching new heights after two sell out years, securing a ticket now ensures fans won't miss out on what promises to be an epic celebration of music and community in 2025.’
Although Download Festival has stayed relatively tight-lipped about its 2025 line-up, Green Day are hotly tipped to take one of the coveted headline slots.
The very first Download Festival in photos:
The Main Stage at Download Festival 2003
The very first Download Festival took place on the hallowed turf of Donington Park – home of the legendary Monsters of Rock – on Saturday 31st May to Sunday 1st June 2003.
Iron Maiden headline Download Festival 2003
Two-times Monsters of Rock headliners Iron Maiden topped the bill on the opening night of Download 2003.
Iron Maiden headline Download Festival 2003
Iron Maiden's performance at the inaugural Download Festival was part of their Give Me Ed... 'til I'm Dead Tour.
Deftones at Download Festival 2003
Other main stage performers on the Saturday were Marilyn Manson, Deftones (pictured), Ministry, InMe, Murderdolls, Amen, Funeral for a Friend, Stampin' Ground, Shadows Fall and Murder One.
Download Festival 2003 crowd
Years before the advent smartphones, the Download Festival 2003 faithful attended the event armed with disposable cameras.
Ministry at Download Festival 2003
Ministry's All Jourgenson sings into his understated microphone stand on the Saturday at Download Festival 2003.
HIM at Download Festival 2003
Ville Valo of Finnish gothic rockers HIM during the band's Saturday set on the Scuzz Stage. The second stage also boasted performances from A, Reel Big Fish, Taproot, Sepultura, Reef, SOiL, The Hellacopters, SikTh, 3 Colours Red, From Autumn To Ashes, Queen Adreena, Violent Delight, Arch Enemy, and Chimaria.
Download Festival 2003 crowd
Download Festival's name has a two meanings. The word 'Download' was a murky word at the time thanks to Napster and illegal downloading. Download was also seen as a Monsters of Rock for the 21st century and the internet would provide connectivity with its audience. Tickets had a download code on them so fans could get tracks by some of the bands performing.
Audioslave headline Download Festival 2003
Late rock legend Chris Cornell on stage with Audioslave during the band's main stage headline set on Sunday night at Download Festival 2003. It was Audioslave's only appearance at Download, however Chris Cornell would return with Soundgarden and as a solo artist.
Audioslave headline Download Festival 2003
Audioslave replaced original headliners Limp Bizkit on the line-up after Fred Durst and co. cancelled.
Keith Flint at Download Festival 2003
The late-great Keith Flint on stage with his fleeting solo band Flint on the Sunday at Download Festival 2003. The Prodigy headlined the second stage at Download Festival 2006 and 2009 before stepping up as main stage headliners in 2012.
Stone Sour's Corey Taylor at Download Festival 2003
Wearing a Union Jacket emblazoned with the words 'Donington' in marker pen, Corey Taylor played the very first Download Festival with Stone Sour. Slipknot have headlined Download five times since the festival's inception, and Corey has also performed as a solo artist over the past 21 years.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
A truly landmark Download Festival moment, Metallica played a secret set on The Scuzz Stage on the Sunday afternoon.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
Metallica performed a 10-song set on the rammed-to-the-rafters stage, including a clutch of tracks from their soon-to-be-released album 'St Anger'.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
Also on The Scuzz Stage bill alongside Metallica on Sunday were NOFX, Boysetsfire, The Bouncing Souls, Strung Out, Thrice, Spunge, TSOL, The Real McKenzies, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Brand New, Instruction, Beatsteaks, Randy and Fabulous Disaster.
The Darkness' Justin Hawkins at Download Festival 2003
Justin Hawkins backstage before The Darkness' performance on The Main Stage. Audioslave, Zwan, Flint, Apocalyptica, Less Than Jake, Disturbed, Stone Sour, Evanescence, Mudvayne, Spineshank, One Minute Silence, Raging Speedhorn and Instruction also played on the second day.
Billy Corgan at Download Festival 2003
Billy Corgan on stage with Zwan on the Sunday at Download Festival 2003