Download XXII: An Era Of Fresh Headliners And Hidden Surprises At Donington

Liquid Death presents Download XXII is almost upon us, so get your battle jackets ready and prepare to raise those horns to the sky as an epic weekend of rock and metal is ready to shake the grounds of Donington Park once again.

People and Atmosphere @ Download Festival 2024

People and Atmosphere @ Download Festival 2024 (Simon Reed)

Here’s the lowdown on what to expect…

Three Brand New Headliners

Sometimes criticised for repeating headliners, this year’s festival has three bands who have yet to top the bill.

In fact, Green Day haven’t even played the festival before. The iconic punk rockers have been on the Download wishlist for many years, and finally the stars have aligned. With an incredible back catalogue to choose from, expect a Greatest Hits set from one of the best of their genre.

Green Day @ The O2 Arena

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day @ The O2 Arena (Kalpesh Patel)

Sleep Token are considered by some to be a controversial booking, but it’s fair to say Download have struck whilst the iron is hot. Having recently completed a sold-out UK Tour And latest album, Even In Acardia, topping the charts in both the UK and USA; their meteoric rise – they were playing Download’s smallest stage in 2018 – is rewarded with a Saturday headline slot that we are sure will dazzle and delight fans new and old.

Korn are true legends of the scene and will close the festival on Sunday. The pioneers of Nu-Metal have influenced countless bands on the bill and are no doubt a staple of the music collections of the majority in attendance. Expect a high-energy show both on the stage and in the crowd.

A stacked line-up

As usual, there is a whole host of big names to see over the weekend. Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Rise Against, Within Temptation, Shinedown, The Darkness, Bullet For My Valentine and Steel Panther are some of the heavy hitters amongst the 90+ bands on show.

Secrets and Surprises

After Parkway Drive’s secret set last year, the rumour mill is in overdrive at who could sneak into the line-up this year. We spot a suspicious gap with a late start to the Opus Stage on Saturday morning. Could Trivium fill this spot, having opened the festival in the same spot 20 years ago? We will be there to find out…

Sophie Lloyd takes to the stage after that mysterious gap. And, following the announcement that Inglorious frontman Nathan James and Marisa And The Moths’ own Marisa Rodriguez will be taking on vocal duties during her set, Lloyd’s appearance could also feature some further surprise guests. That’s just pure speculation on our part, but with the YouTuber turned Stadium Rocker – she is part of Machine Gun Kelly’s touring band – and her cover heavy set could include one or two artists that are on the bill elsewhere.

Sophie Lloyd (nathersonn)

Sophie Lloyd (Nathersonn)

The much-hyped President will play their first-ever gig at Download. The band’s line-up is a secret, but all signs point to them being fronted by Busted and Fightstar’s Charlie Simpson. We will squeeze our way into the Dogtooth Stage on Sunday to see for ourselves.

Fightstar @ Wembley Arena

Charlie Simpson of Fightstar @ Wembley Arena (Nick Allan)

Solo Performances and Side Projects

The Sex Pistols (Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock) headline the Opus Stage on Saturday, with a set that will be based around the legendary Never Mind The Bollocks album. With the energy of Frank Carter on vocals, this will be a performance you cannot miss.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes @ Roundhouse

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes @ Roundhouse (Nick Allan)

Alter Bridge frontman Myles Kennedy will perform a solo set, as will Alice In Chain’s Jerry Cantrell. System Of A Down’s Shavo Odadjian will appear with side project Seven Hours After Sunset.

Beyond the music

For those camping, District X will provide an array of entertainment. You could start your morning by taking part in RockFit or relax to live versions of popular podcasts such as On Wednesdays We Wear Black and Justin Hawkins Rides Again. Party in to the early hours with some of the UK’s finest club nights from Uprawr and Face Down. Live performances from Thanks For The Memories and Nu-Castle will provide you with the perfect nostalgia hit, Funeral For A Friend and other as yet-to-be-announced artists will perform acoustic sets, and the Vengaboys will have the Dog House bouncing to their cheesy pop anthems. See, something for everyone!

Download Festival XXII takes place between 13th-15th June. For the full line-up, last minute tickets and any other information you need, visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk

We hope everyone attending has a fantastic and safe weekend. We’ll see you in the pit!

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Lifehouse @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Kalpesh Patel)

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