Sunday In Photos At Download Festival XXII

Sunday at Download Festival XXII delivered an electrifying finale to an unforgettable weekend, blending heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and pulsating energy across multiple stages. While the day saw some light rain, it was mostly brightened by glorious bursts of sunshine, creating a perfect festival atmosphere for thousands of eager fans. The lineup offered a diverse mix of genres—from blistering metal and hard-hitting punk to atmospheric rock and alternative sounds—ensuring there was something for everyone.

Legendary headliners commanded the main stages, while rising stars made their mark with passionate performances that resonated with the crowd. Emotional moments and surprise collaborations punctuated the day, reminding everyone why Download remains one of the premier rock festivals in the world. As the sun set on Donington Park, the sense of community and shared love for music was palpable, capping off Download XXII with a powerful statement of resilience, joy, and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

14:35: Municipal Waste Turn the Opus Stage Into a Speed-Thrash Party Machine

Municipal Waste tore into Download XXII’s Opus Stage with their signature blend of high-octane thrash and unapologetic party anthems, rousing the crowd into furious, fist-pumping chaos.

Kicking off with Sadistic Magician, the quartet unleashed breakneck riffs and frenetic energy that instantly ignited the pit. Slime And Punishment kept the momentum merciless, with razor-sharp guitars and blasting drums that sounded like a nuclear meltdown with a grin.

As the inevitable silliness of the night kicked in, The Art Of Partying turned the tent into a blistering celebration of chaos — beer-swill, crowd surfers, and moshing in full effect. Riding that wave, Born To Party closed the set with a manic joy, distilled pure in thrash form.

With no pause and no apology, Municipal Waste’s set was a relentless, sweaty invitation to lose control — the kind that reminds us why we came to Download in the first place.

14:40: Jinjer Seize the Apex Stage with Progressive Metal Precision

Jinjer stormed the Apex Stage with a performance that was as technically stunning as it was emotionally gripping. Opening with the relentless Duél, guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich laid down thunderous rhythms that immediately commanded attention.

Following with Green Serpent and Fast Draw, the band showcased their hallmark blend of precision and power. Frontwoman Tatiana Shmailyuk mesmerised with her dynamic range—shifting from sinewy whispers to explosive growls—while their tight musical interplay elevated each breakdown and riff.

Mid-set, Vortex and Hedonist dove deeper into complex structures, yet never lost momentum or melody. A transitional Perennial built slowly into a storm of aggression before the band paused for the melodic depth of I Speak Astronomy, spotlighting Shmailyuk’s stunning clean vocals.

They struck back hard with Someone’s Daughter, delivering a fierce, personal anthem that had the Apex crowd roaring. Finally, Pisces closed the set like a tidal wave—powerful, somber, and unforgettable.

15:25: Seven Hours After Violet Dazzle the Dogtooth Stage with Uplifting Indie-Pop

Seven Hours After Violet brought a burst of emotional energy to the Dogtooth Stage, delivering a tight, four-song set that resonated with heartfelt melodies and poignant lyricism.

They opened with the punchy Go!, immediately engaging the crowd with its catchy hooks and rhythmic drive. The energy flowed into Sunrise, a sun-drenched anthem that turned the tent into a community sing-along, proving their earnest lyrics and tight harmonies were festival-ready despite their early slot. Cry followed, slowing the pace just enough to showcase resonant vocals and thoughtful songwriting. They closed with Abandon, a stirring finale that blended soaring melodies and emotional weight, ensuring their presence was felt long after the last chord.

With their brief set, Seven Hours After Violet captured the heart of Download’s audience, proving that indie-pop intimacy can shine just as brightly on a festival stage. They may have played a brief set, but it left a lasting impression. was one of those.

16:25: Jerry Cantrell Transforms the Opus Stage with Solo Brilliance

Jerry Cantrell brought something special to the Opus Stage, delivering a solo set that seamlessly fused his new solo material with the haunting legacy of Alice In Chains. Opening with the brooding Psychotic Break, Cantrell set an atmospheric tone—its ominous riffs lingering in the air like smoke.

The energy hit full tilt when he transitioned into Alice In Chains classics Them Bones and Would?, the latter drawing intense sing-alongs that brought the packed tent to life. New tracks Vilified and I Want Blood showcased Cantrell’s continued evolution—heavy, melodic, and still grounded in the shadowy textures that define his songwriting.

Mid-set introspection came via Atone and Cut You In, where Cantrell’s voice and guitar shone with haunting clarity. Closing the emotional circle, Brighten offered a hopeful pulse before he ripped into his final Alice In Chains anthem Rooster, leaving the crowd in hushed awe.

Cantrell’s Download XXII set wasn’t a nostalgic throwback—it was a statement of enduring relevance: grunge’s shadow cast forward by one of its original architects, still striking with precision and emotional resonance.

16:50: Dead Poet Society Stir Emotion and Atmosphere on the Avalanche Stage

Dead Poet Society took the Avalanche Stage by storm, delivering a powerful and immersive performance that stood in stark contrast to the weekend’s heavier chaos. Beginning with the haunting tones of .intoodeep., they immediately drew the early crowd into a brooding sonic landscape. That atmosphere deepened through the emotionally raw I Hope You Hate Me, setting a tone of vulnerability and catharsis.

Tracks like Lo Air and HURT carried the mood forward, blending post-hardcore dynamics with introspective lyrics, highlighting the band’s gift for tension and release. The gripping Running In Circles pulsed with rhythmic urgency, while closing with Uto offered a poignant finale—its swells and silences lingering long after the final note faded.

With a set that balanced raw emotion, atmospheric build-up, and heartfelt crescendos, Dead Poet Society proved their Download performance wasn’t just heard—it was felt.

17:15: Spiritbox Erupt with Progressive Precision and Emotional Punch on the Apex Stage

Spiritbox delivered a masterclass in dynamic intensity on the Apex Stage, fusing ethereal atmosphere with thunderous force. Opening with the hypnotic swirl of Fata Morgana and the haunting groove of Black Rainbow, they immediately drew the crowd into their world of razor-edged transitions. Tracks like Perfect Soul, Jaded, and The Void showcased Courtney LaPlante’s haunting clean vocals and feral growls, shifting from breathy whispers to gut-wrenching screams in the blink of an eye.

Mid-set, Secret Garden and Circle With Me brought cinematic swells and communal lifts, giving the crowd room to breathe before the breakdown storm of Holy Roller, Sew Me Up, and Soft Spine reminded everyone why Spiritbox are on the cutting edge of modern metal. By the time No Loss, No Love hit, bodies were crashing in the pit, and Ride The Wave delivered a heady mix of melody and mosh-pit freight. They closed with Cellar Door, a slow burn into darkness that left a haunting echo in the air.

By the end, Spiritbox hadn’t just commanded a festival stage — they’d reshaped it with their blend of cinematic nuance and heavy-on-the-heart energy. A standout in every sense.

17:35: Airbourne Unleash Rock’n’Roll Fury on the Opus Stage

Airbourne charged onto the Opus Stage, delivering a high-voltage performance that felt like a full-throttle ride through hard rock’s purest adrenaline. Opening with the incendiary Ready To Rock, the band instantly sparked a pit frenzy with their no-nonsense riffage and sheer stage presence.

They tore through crowd-favourites like Breakin’ Outta Hell and Back In The Game, each track full of swagger and sweat-drenched energy. When Girls In Black and Live It Up hit, the atmosphere became electric, with the crowd matching every shout and riff. The relentless onslaught continued with gritty power in Gutsy, before the band blew the roof off the tent with their closing anthem Runnin’ Wild—a wall of guitars, drums, and rock’n’roll defiance.

Airbourne’s Download set wasn’t just a show—it was a declaration of raw, unfiltered rock, and the audience was all in for the ride.

18:00: Turbonegro Ignite the Avalanche Stage with Glam-Punk Powerhouse

Norway’s Turbonegro exploded onto the Avalanche Stage, delivering a turbocharged blend of glam swagger, punk energy, and tongue-in-cheek chaos.

They kicked things off with the blistering Hurry Up & Die, immediately setting a high-octane tone. Tracks like Back To Dungaree High and Get It On followed, reminding everyone why their “deathpunk” fusion of sleaze and speed punches where it counts. Frontman Happy-Tom prowled the stage, and guitarist Euroboy shredded through riffs with ferocious flair, their performance dripping with decadent attitude.

Mid-set highlights included the darkly anthemic City Of Satan and the tongue-in-cheek crowd favourite All My Friends Are Dead, inciting both riotous singalongs and pit action. The band’s evergreen hit The Age Of Pamparius arrived as a glitter-fuelled call to arms, and they finished in blistering fashion with I Got Erection, its galloping riff and mischievous spirit leaving the crowd drenched in sweat and smiles.

Turbonegro transformed the stage into a perfectly dangerous playground—raw, theatrical, and unapologetically fun—reinforcing that punk’s biggest power lies in its boundless heart and irreverent style.

18:45: Lorna Shore Deliver a Monumental Performance on the Opus Stage

Lorna Shore’s set on the Opus Stage was a masterclass in modern deathcore, showcasing their signature blend of symphonic grandeur and relentless aggression. Opening with the ferocious Sun//Eater, they immediately set the tone for a performance that would captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

The band’s technical prowess was on full display throughout the set, with tracks like Cursed To Die and Oblivion highlighting their ability to seamlessly integrate intricate melodies with pulverising breakdowns. The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch during To The Hellfire, a track that has become synonymous with Lorna Shore’s explosive live performances.

A particularly memorable moment occurred during Pain Remains II: After All I’ve Done, I’ll Disappear, when the band halted the performance to address a medical emergency in the crowd. This brief but impactful pause demonstrated their commitment to fan safety and well-being. Once resumed, the trilogy concluded with Pain Remains III: In A Sea of Fire, leaving the audience in awe of the band’s ability to craft an emotionally charged and sonically overwhelming experience.

Frontman Will Ramos’s commanding presence and vocal versatility were central to the performance’s success. His guttural lows and piercing highs resonated throughout the venue, drawing the crowd into the band’s intense sonic landscape. The band’s cohesion and energy were palpable, solidifying their status as one of the most formidable acts in the modern metal scene.

Lorna Shore’s performance at Download XXII was more than just a concert; it was a testament to their evolution as artists and their ability to push the boundaries of the deathcore genre. Their set not only met but exceeded the high expectations set by their previous performances, reaffirming their place at the forefront of the metal world.

19:10: Me First And The Gimme Gimmes Bring Unstoppable Party Vibes to the Avalanche Stage

Me First And The Gimme Gimmes commandeered the Avalanche Stage with a rip-roaring, genre-mashing set of pop classics redefined through their punk lens. Kicking off with Dolly Parton’s signature tune Jolene, the quartet immediately set the tone—infectious energy, rapid-fire punk pacing, and a crowd primed to party.

The momentum didn’t let up as they plowed through John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads, the old-school Western swing of Riders In The Sky, and the bubblegum sunshine of Neil Sedaka’s Love Will Keep Us Together. Each brief, high-octane rendition provoked cheers, singalongs, and applause with breakneck fervour.

Throw in unexpected nods like Cat Stevens’ Wild World, Paul Simon’s Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard, and Paula Abdul’s shimmering Straight Up, and you had a crowd dancing to everything from folk-rock to early 2000s pop—all in under two minutes each.

They closed things out with a trio of singalong anthems—Leaving On A Jet Plane, pumping ABBA classic Dancing Queen, and a punk-fied Sloop John B—before capping their time at Download with Elton John’s soaring Rocket Man. It was a joyous, light-hearted respite amid heavier festival fare, proving punk isn’t just raw—it can be exuberant, nostalgic fun too.

20:20: Kids In Glass Houses Bring Infectious Energy to the Avalanche Stage

Kids In Glass Houses lit up the Avalanche Stage on Sunday with a sun-drenched, high-energy set that reminded everyone why their brand of effervescent pop-rock still hits hard. Opening with the shimmering Theme from Pink Flamingo, the Welsh favourites launched into a joyful sprint through crowd-pleasers like Give Me What I Want, Dance All Night, and Rothko Painting, instantly drawing in a packed tent.

The band’s chemistry was electric, with frontman Aled Phillips leading singalongs on tracks like Undercover Lover, Diamond Days, and Youngblood (Let It Out), his vocals effortlessly switching between soaring choruses and heartfelt moments. The mood was buoyant throughout, even as the band dropped heavier punches with Fisticuffs and the emotionally-charged Peace. As sunlight poured into the tent, songs like Sunshine and Have A Good Time felt perfectly placed, radiating pure feel-good energy.

They closed with the anthemic one-two punch of Saturday and Matters At All, sending fans into the evening beaming. It was a triumphant, nostalgia-tinged return from a band who’ve always known how to throw a great party.

Photography by Simon Reed / Musical Pictures.

Saturday In Photos At Download Festival XXII