Dates: 13-15 June 2025
Location: Donington Park, Leicestershire
Headliners: Green Day | Sleep Token | Korn
Tickets: General sale at 9pm, Thursday, 14 November 2024 at downloadfestival.co.uk

The rock world’s crown jewel, Download Festival, returns for its 22nd edition—DLXXII—and it’s bringing an explosive lineup that redefines the boundaries of rock and metal festivals worldwide. This year’s Download takes a bold step forward with a lineup that boasts three electrifying headliners, each topping the Download main stage for the very first time: punk-rock titans Green Day, anonymous alt-metal phenoms Sleep Token, and nu-metal icons Korn. These new headliners, coupled with over 90 legendary and rising bands from across the globe, make Download 2025 a can’t-miss event for any rock and metal fan.

Green Day: Punk Legends Take on Download

For the first time in their storied career, Green Day will bring their signature punk energy to Download’s main stage as Friday night headliners. This momentous performance marks the pinnacle of their legacy, built over 37 years of culture-shaping albums and record-breaking tours. Celebrating anniversaries of both Dookie and American Idiot, Green Day are poised to deliver an unforgettable night of classics and crowd anthems. From “Basket Case” to “Holiday,” expect Donington Park to become a sea of voices, fists, and punk-rock passion as Green Day brings their unmatched stage presence to the festival.

Sleep Token: The Anonymous Sensation Takes on Saturday Night

On Saturday, mysterious metal collective Sleep Token steps up as Download’s second headliner. Known for their eerie masks and evocative blend of metal, R&B, and rock, Sleep Token has amassed millions of fans, becoming a sensation in just under a decade. The band has proven their draw by selling out arenas this year, and now, they’re set to captivate the Donington faithful with an immersive, high-energy performance that promises to be both visually and sonically stunning. This historic headline slot underscores Sleep Token’s rapid rise in the rock and metal world, marking them as a defining force in modern heavy music.

Korn: Nu-Metal Royalty to Close Out DLXXII

Bringing Download 2025 to a thunderous finale, Korn will take the main stage on Sunday. After 31 years of redefining the sound of nu-metal and inspiring countless bands, Korn’s debut as Download headliners is long overdue. Expect adrenaline-charged performances of hits like “Freak on a Leash” and “Falling Away from Me” as they close out the festival with their intense sound and larger-than-life stage presence. Korn’s influence on metal is unrivaled, and their long-awaited headline slot at Download will be a historic night for the band and fans alike.

A Diverse Lineup of Legends and Rising Stars

Beyond the headliners, DLXXII’s lineup is packed with genre-defining acts and exciting newcomers alike. Weezer will bring their beloved alt-rock anthems, while the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter will add a fiery punk edge. Emo titans Jimmy Eat World, metal mainstays Bullet for My Valentine, and symphonic metal powerhouse Within Temptation are just a taste of the lineup’s diversity.

With bands like Eagles of Death Metal, The Darkness, Meshuggah, and Spiritbox joining the bill, fans can expect wall-to-wall high-octane performances throughout the weekend. For metalcore and hardcore devotees, The Ghost Inside, Sylosis, and Whitechapel are sure to deliver unforgettable sets. Meanwhile, icons like Jerry Cantrell and Cradle of Filth will bring a dose of classic rock and gothic metal to the event.

Other notable acts include Steel Panther, Fit for an Autopsy, Lorna Shore, Airbourne, Alien Ant Farm, CKY, McFly, Don Broco, Mallory Knox, and countless others, ensuring that there’s something for every rock and metal fan across the weekend’s stages.

An Unforgettable Launch Event

This year’s lineup announcement was unveiled at a VIP Metal Gala launch event, where rock and metal elites gathered to celebrate the upcoming festival. The event included a short film titled Est Momentum, featuring Paddy Considine (known for House of the Dragon and Peaky Blinders), who also performed with his band Riding the Low. The film captures the essence of Download, with Considine describing it as “a place where legends are born” and hailing the festival as a spiritual home for rock fans.

Download Festival 2025: Secure Your Spot Now

Tickets go on general sale at 9pm on Thursday, 14 November, with pre-sales starting as early as Tuesday, 12 November. This is only the beginning for DLXXII, with more bands and surprises yet to be revealed. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare to be part of rock history at Download Festival 2025.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Download or experiencing it for the first time, this year’s lineup promises an unforgettable weekend of music, unity, and pure rock energy at Donington Park.