Written and photographed by Rachel Cuthbert
The twenty-second iteration of Download Festival celebrated rock and metal music, uniting the alternative community with attendees congregating from across the globe. The iconic five-day event took place at Donington Park, with the main arena open to the public from June 13th to 15th. Typically known as “Drownload” due to its often wet conditions, this year’s festival earned the name “Dustload” following a weekend of exceptionally sunny weather and light breezes that carried dust throughout the grounds. Upholding its strong reputation and catering to diverse generations of rock enthusiasts, the festival showcased three remarkable headliners making their Download main stage debuts: Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn.
The weekend was exceptionally vibrant, marked by both outstanding musical performances and impressive pyrotechnic displays. With four stages within the arena, there was a continuous offering of music to suit diverse tastes. The enclosed Dogtooth and Avalanche stages provided welcome relief from the sun, yet the intensity and energy within them mirrored that of the open-air stages.
Friday
Blackpool’s own Boston Manor, veterans of Download Festival, set the tone for the weekend with their fiery performance on the Apex Main Stage. During their mid-afternoon set, the band delivered a mix of their signature punk/rock sound and tracks from their new album Sundiver. Frontman Henry Cox provided faultless vocals and perfectly matched the crowd’s energy. Their performance undoubtedly merits their inclusion in future festival lineups.
On the opposite side of the festival grounds, Australian punk rock band Trophy Eyes commanded the Kerrang! Avalanche stage. Their performance, which captivated both new and long-time fans, kicked off with “Blue Eyed Boy,” setting a high-energy tone that permeated the entire set. The tent was buzzing with crowd-surfing and an infectious energy that could have filled the entire arena.
Later in the day, McFly’s electrifying performance drew immense crowds from across the arena, with the audience overflowing from the sides of the Avalanche stage tent. Their family-friendly set had both long-time fans and new attendees joyfully singing along to their classic hits. While the performance was certainly strong enough for the main stage, witnessing such musical greatness in a more intimate setting was an unforgettable experience.
To conclude the day, American rock icons Green Day finally made their Download Festival debut to an electrifying reception. The opening sequence, a mash-up of songs including Star Wars’ renowned “Imperial March,” accompanied a montage of iconic moments from the band’s history and perfectly set the tone, with the crowd roaring in excitement by the time the band took the stage. In addition to playing many beloved songs, their set included a memorable moment where an ecstatic fan sang alongside Billie Joe Armstrong. Another unforgettable highlight from the set, orchestrated by nature itself, was the perfectly timed rain that began to fall as Green Day sang the words “Here comes the rain again” during “Wake Me Up When September Ends” – a moment that will undoubtedly remain etched in the minds of fans.
Saturday
Sleep Token delivered a hypnotic headline set that captivated the Download audience. The band masterfully built anticipation, teasing fans with the eerie sounds of wind chimes and gusts of wind, concealed behind a moving black curtain. This curtain was dramatically dropped during “Look to Windward,” the opening track from their new album Even in Arcadia. They spellbound their audience with a setlist that included songs such as “Vore” and catchy new hits like “Caramel.” Sleep Token unequivocally defended their position as main stage headliners with this breathtaking performance.
The day also featured numerous exceptional supporting sets, including those from Poppy, Polaris, Don Broco, Mallory Knox, and Dayseeker, to name a few. Poppy, a clear fan favourite, commanded the Apex Stage with her powerful vocals and impressive screams. Her artistic evolution, from her YouTube origins to collaborations with bands like Knocked Loose and Bad Omens, was truly inspiring to witness, with the crowd visibly in awe of her well-deserved main stage slot. Later in the day, the festival was graced with arguably one of the weekend’s best performances by Bedford’s own Don Broco. Frontman Rob Damiani orchestrated an electrifying show, dancing across the stage while delivering unwavering vocals.
Sunday
Scottish metal band Bleed From Within didn’t just step onto the main stage – they erupted onto it. Their early afternoon set far exceeded expectations, showcasing tracks from their new album Zenith alongside older songs such as “I Am Damnation.” Their pyrotechnic displays added a dramatic flair that perfectly complemented frontman Scott Kennedy’s ferocious vocals. The band concluded their impactful performance with new song “In Place of Your Halo,” bringing out drummers and bagpipers at the end of the song. Their set generated a true sense of excitement, leaving a lasting impression on their audience – a standout performance of the weekend.
Over in the Avalanche tent, this year’s not-so-secret “secret set” from Malevolence truly ignited the crowd as the band burst onto the stage. With crowd surfers and mosh pits erupting in every corner of the tent, festival security remained vigilant, safely catching waves of crowd surfers as they came over the barrier. It was fortunate that the set was hinted at before Sunday, as it was undoubtedly a performance no one would have wanted to miss.
Later in the afternoon, Spiritbox took to Download’s Apex Stage, opening their set with the new, heavy song “Fata Morgana.” Courtney LaPlante’s powerful stage presence and visceral vocals captivated the audience, who hung onto her every word. It was inspiring to witness two strong female artists like Courtney LaPlante and Poppy taking centre stage in the metal scene and being invited to perform on the main stage this year.
Korn brought Download Festival to a monumental close on Sunday with a masterful performance, culminating in their track “Freak on a Leash.” As true Download veterans, having played the festival even before its current name, their legendary status and vast experience ensured a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all attendees. Despite minimal special effects or elaborate visuals, the band’s powerful vocals alone commanded the crowd’s undivided attention. Following their encore, a cascade of confetti streamers enveloped the audience, leaving everyone in awe of the performance they had just witnessed. Korn unequivocally earned their place as Sunday headliners, providing an unforgettable conclusion to the weekend.
Festival Atmosphere and Amenities
The overall festival atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing a strong sense of “homecoming” at Donington Park. While the intense sunshine occasionally caused discomfort, visitors were permitted to bring their own reusable water bottles and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected. The heat also brought considerable dust, and festival security and staff proactively distributed disposable masks to the public to reduce the chances of inhalation.
Beyond the live music, the festival offered a diverse range of entertainment in District X, including DJ sets, cinema screenings, and podcasts. A wide array of food vendors across the site catered to various dietary requirements, providing abundant vegetarian and vegan options and ensuring there was something enjoyable for everyone.
Overall, the incredible lineup, electrifying performances, and unwavering positive atmosphere created an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly resonate with attendees until they “go home” to Donington Park once again.
Early bird tickets are available here to secure your spot in the arena for Download 2026.
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