The event returns as DLXXIII in June 2026
Organizers of the Download Festival have announced the first headliners for 2026, which is being retooled as DLXXIII. Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park will headline the event, which features over 90s bands across rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, alternative, and classic rock. The 23rd edition of the European festival will be held from June 10-16, 2026, at Donington Park, Leicestershire.
Tickets for Download Festival 2026 are on sale now.
The initial announcement for Download Festival 2026 has confirmed a massive roster of rock and metal talent set to join headliners Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park. The powerful undercard features metalcore titans Architects and Bad Omens, alongside the theatrical spectacle of BabyMetal and the returning US rockers The Pretty Reckless. Nu-metal and rock fans will be treated to sets from Bush and the energetic Electric Callboy, while metal heavyweights Trivium and Mastodon bring the sheer intensity. A diverse range of rock is covered by alternative favourites Feeder, arena rockers Halestorm, and the genre-bending Pendulum. Adding to the star power are Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, the horror-themed metalcore of Ice Nine Kills, and rock veterans Black Veil Brides. Notably, this year marks a highly anticipated first-ever Download appearance for hip-hop icons Cypress Hill and a special appearance by the band Dogstar, featuring actor Keanu Reeves. Additional acts are slated to be announced.
The initial announcement was made at a special launch event, which featured a specially created short film that premiered in the cinema at the Barbican and introduced The Apex Rings, created for the headliners by Download in conjunction with The Great Frog. The immersive launch included string quartets, fortune tellers and more, all giving a taste of the District X experience and what is to come for Download XXIII.
