Download Festival – Donington Park, England 2026
Overview
Download Festival 2026 is the UK’s premier rock and metal extravaganza, drawing over 75,000 fans to the spiritual home of rock at Donington Park for five days of headbanging anthems, mosh pits, and community spirit. Celebrating its 25th edition, it features mammoth stages hosting global heavyweights across rock, alternative, metal, and punk genres, with past lineups including icons like Iron Maiden and Green Day.
Set against the iconic Leicestershire estate, the festival blends high-energy performances with camping vibes, family zones for mini moshers, and sustainability initiatives, creating an unmissable pilgrimage for rock faithful seeking raw power and camaraderie in the English Midlands.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Multi-stage live sets over five days, including main stage headliners (TBD; rumors swirl around Deftones, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park, Ghost), plus Zippo Encore Stage for emerging acts, Acoustic Stage for intimate sessions, and District X for alternative vibes.
- Special Traditions or Features: Monsters of Rock heritage with pyrotechnics, signings, and tattoo parlors; all-ages policy with Mini Moshers area; ties to rock history via Donington legacy.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: 24-hour RIP campsite entertainment, pamper zones in Camping Plus, eco-camping charters, and interactive experiences like Humans of Download storytelling.
- Dedicated Event Section: Full five-day program from Wednesday arrivals to Sunday finales, with over 100 acts across genres; lineup announcement on November 3, 2025, via Download Family presale.
Why Attend
Download Festival is rock’s ultimate rite of passage, where you can dive into thunderous riffs and crowd-surf under the Midlands sky, forging bonds with fellow devotees amid a sea of black tees and epic sunsets. It’s the antidote to ordinary weekends, blending adrenaline-fueled sets with chill acoustic moments and family-friendly fun for all ages.
This 2026 milestone amps up the legacy with rumored superstars and enhanced facilities, ensuring every attendee—veteran or newbie—leaves hoarse, happy, and hooked. The expansive site allows pacing your chaos, from quiet recharge zones to non-stop moshing, all while championing sustainability and wellbeing in rock’s heartland.
Date & Duration
- Dates: June 10 – June 14, 2026
- Duration: 5 days
Venue / Location
- City: Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England
- Main Venue: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP, United Kingdom
- Notable Areas: Main stage arena for headliners, campsite zones (General, Eco, Quiet, RIP), District X for alternative stages, family village for Mini Moshers
- Google Maps Address: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP, UK
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Big Green Coach packages; payment plans available; presale for Download Family on November 3, 2025, following lineup drop; on-site collection with ID
- Admission Type: Paid admission; all-ages with adult supervision for under-18s (5+ for Mini Moshers)
- Ticket Pricing: Weekend Camping ~$390 USD (5 nights, ~£300 GBP); 3-Night Camping ~$325 USD (~£250 GBP); Weekend Arena Only ~$260 USD (~£200 GBP); Day Tickets TBD; Campervan and RIP options higher
- Special Seating or VIP Options: RIP packages with luxury camping (~$650–$1,300 USD); accessibility applications for essential companions (free, post-standard ticket purchase); no formal VIP but Camping Plus with pamper access
- Price Range: Minimum $260 USD, Maximum $1,300 USD
Booking with Euro Travelo
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Contact Information
- Email: info@downloadfestival.co.uk (general inquiries); accessibility@downloadfestival.co.uk (accessibility applications)
- Phone: Not specified; use email for support
- Website: https://www.downloadfestival.co.uk
- Social Media: @DownloadFest (Instagram/Twitter/Facebook), Download Festival (YouTube/TikTok)
- Key Staff: Not specified; dedicated Accessibility Team
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@downloadfestival.co.uk; volunteer info TBD via site
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available; sign up for Download Family for presales.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: East Midlands (EMA, 7 miles/15 min drive); Birmingham (BHX, 25 miles/40 min); Manchester (MAN, 60 miles/1 hour)
- Public Transport: Train to East Midlands Parkway (shuttle to site); Big Green Coach from 100+ UK points; festival shuttles from Derby/Loughborough stations
- Parking: On-site car parks (~$65 USD/£50 GBP, pre-book); Blue Badge accessible parking via application
- Access Note: Well-signposted from M1 Junction 24A; traffic management in place; accessibility shuttles available
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: Donington Park Farmhouse (on-site glamping, ~$500 USD/night), Hilton East Midlands (airport-adjacent, $120 USD/night)
- Camping: Festival camping (included in tickets: General, Eco, Quiet, RIP); Campervan pitches sold out early
- Airbnbs: Farm stays near Castle Donington, starting at $100 USD/night; Derby city options ~$90 USD
- Note: Book camping via tickets; off-site hotels fill fast—use Rock Retreat at Melbourne Hall for luxury (~$1,000 USD/package)
Reviews
- Epic rock haven—thunderous sets and wild camping made it the best weekend; Donington magic never fades.
- Family vibes with Mini Moshers rocked, but pack earplugs for the nonstop roar—pure adrenaline rush.
- Lineup slayed last time; accessibility tweaks helped, though queues test your metal patience!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is Download Festival and who's playing in 2026?
Download is the UK's top rock/metal fest at Donington Park, June 10-14, 2026, with 100+ acts over five stages for all ages. Lineup drops November 3, 2025—rumors include Iron Maiden, Ghost, Deftones; past headliners like Green Day set the bar. Expect heavy riffs, acoustic chills, and District X alternatives. Tickets from $260 USD; presale for Family members. All-ages but intense—check site for under-18 rules. Full deets at https://www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
How do I buy tickets and use payment plans?
Grab via Ticketmaster/Live Nation from November 2025 (~$390 USD weekend camping); payment plans spread costs over months. Presale November 3 post-lineup; Big Green Coach bundles travel. No day splits for camping—weekend arena $260 USD. Refunds per T&Cs (limited); resales via official channels. Eco/Quiet options available; RIP for luxe (~$650+ USD). Email info@downloadfestival.co.uk for issues.
What accessibility facilities are offered?
Buy standard ticket first, then apply via accessibility@downloadfestival.co.uk when apps open (TBD 2026)—free essential companion tickets allocated. Features: raised platforms, accessible camping/shuttles, Blue Badge parking, Changing Places toilets, quiet zones. No separate access tickets; RIP packages qualify for partial refunds post-approval. Staff assistance on-site; sign up for notifications. We're committed to inclusivity—feedback welcome.
Are there age restrictions or family options?
All-ages event; under-18s (5+) need ticketed adult (1:4 ratio), with Mini Moshers village for kids (wristbands required). Some acts/stages unsuitable for young children—parental discretion advised. Families get dedicated areas, soft play, and signings. ID checked at gates; no unaccompanied minors. Full policy on site; contact for group bookings.
How do I get to Donington Park and camp sustainably?
Fly to East Midlands (7 miles, shuttles run); train to Parkway then bus/taxi. Big Green Coach from UK cities; M1 J24A for drivers—pre-book parking $65 USD. Eco-camping via Green Charter (low-impact zones, recycling). On-site: No glass/weapons, but tents/chairs ok. Download app for maps/live updates. Travel eco for perks; full guide at https://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/info.




