DLXXII: District X unleashes biggest line-up yet

With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed its thrilling line-up for District X – Download’s renowned festival within a festival. Featuring iconic pop legends Vengaboysspecial DJ sets from festival favourites, intimate acoustic performances, electrifying secret sets, new quizzes, live podcasts, comedy, and unique entertainment experiences, District X promises to take Downloaders into another dimension. Taking place from 11–15 June 2025 at the legendary Donington Park, Download Festival continues to redefine festival experiences beyond the main arena. Last remaining weekend tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
District X expands the Download experience with entertainment running around-the-clock, creating another dimension that sets Download apart. Offering a wide range of activities beyond the music, from immersive performances to interactive events, it ensures festivalgoers have something to enjoy at any hour. This year’s diverse programme makes District X an essential part of the Download weekend, giving fans a richer, broader weekend that extends beyond the main arena.
 
Headlining this year’s District X programme as one of the most requested bookings of all time, the legendary Vengaboys will take to Donington Park by fan demand, bringing their iconic hits and high-energy performance for a nostalgic and unforgettable party experience.
 
Joining the party, Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth will take to the decks for a blistering DJ set. Expect a nightmarish mix of gothic anthems and metal classics, curated by one of the most recognisable figures in heavy music. Further bolstering the Friday night schedule, Aled Phillips from Kids In Glass Houses joins the District X DJ line-up, kicking off the evening ahead of a special acoustic set from Welsh post-hardcore icons Funeral For A Friend, followed by McFly’s bassist Dougie Poynter who will promise a setlist packed with crowd favourites and unexpected gems. Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats also steps up for a heavy-hitting DJ set with high energy late into the night with a high-octane performance from MODESTEP (DJ Set) – the  bass-driven powerhouse known for fusing dubstep with rock and metal – rounding off the night in explosive style.
 
Further District X highlights include Now That’s What I Call A 00’s Mixtape – a full-throttle throwback party hosted by Sophie K, packed with the biggest noughties anthems and alt-rock favourites. DJ sets from Zoe London and Hang The DJs will bring high-energy genre-spanning selections to the late-night crowd, while She They Press Play delivers a bold and boundary-pushing celebration of alternative culture.
 
A special highlight for wrestling enthusiasts, District X welcomes the renowned Lucha Britannia wrestling showcase in an exclusive collaboration with festival favourites Slay Duggee. Taking place on Wednesday night, this unique fusion brings an edgy twist to classic wrestling entertainment.
 
Returning favourites like Emo Drag Karaoke, Silent Disco, and the End of The World Party will ensure the party never stops, while new additions such as live podcasts with special guest appearances including an eagerly anticipated session with rock royalty Justin Hawkins (The Darkness).  His acclaimed YouTube series, ‘Justin Hawkins Rides Again,’ has captivated music fans worldwide, making his District X appearance a must-see festival highlight. On Wednesdays We Wear Black, who champion inclusivity in the heavy music scene through their sharp humour and unfiltered takes, will also be bringing their much-loved podcast to Download.
 
District X will also feature a range of brand-new experiences, including interactive quizzes including Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn-themed quizzes with Kitty Cowellwrestling showcases, bingo with an alternative twist, Never Mind The Download pub quiz, comedy sessions from rising stars, aerobics and sports day events. With surprise secret sets scheduled across the weekend, as first revealed by the exclusive Download Family inner circle newsletter earlier this month, attendees can expect the unexpected at every turn.
 
Download Festival welcomes back DARKFIELD following last year’s surreal EULOGY show, this time with their flagship experience, SÉANCE—an immersive encounter guaranteed to unnerve and captivate. This intense 20-minute sonic performance places 20 festivalgoers inside a pitch-black 24ft container, transformed into a Victorian séance room where immersive 3D audio manipulates the senses. blurring the line between reality and the supernatural.
 
Flow State Wellness returns to Download with an expanded offering for 2025, providing festivalgoers with a perfect, calming way to start their day at the Outpost. Running every morning, these immersive sessions will guide attendees through breathwork, gentle movement, mindfulness meditations, and sound healing. In addition to morning sessions, Flow State Wellness will also offer daily drop-ins within the main arena, creating space for relaxation and grounding between sets.
 
New for 2025, Blink will be hosting wellbeing tents in District X, offering a dedicated space to unwind, take part in mindfulness activities, and have open conversations about mental health. Attendees will also have access to free professional single-session talking therapy with qualified psychologists and counsellors, providing vital support in a relaxed and inclusive environment.
 
Diverse UK is expanding its presence at Download this year, increasing from one space in the arena to two. Their sensory calm spaces offer a vital retreat for neurodivergent festivalgoers and those in need of a quiet, regulated environment, ensuring Download remains a festival that welcomes everyone.
 
District X is bigger and better for 2025, with enhanced décor, vibrant lighting, and a transformed festival space. The popular ‘Ace of Spades’ venue has been expanded, now welcoming crowds of up to 2,000 fans, while the all-new ‘Gravers Return’ bar and food area offers festivalgoers a lively spot to unwind and recharge. Thrilling skate ramp demos across District X & the Main Arena, and improved accessibility throughout the festival guarantee an unrivalled experience from start to finish.
 
Families aren’t forgotten at Download DLXXII, with the dedicated Mini Moshers campsite (application required) offering a family-friendly environment to ensure even the youngest rockers have an incredible festival experience. Packed with fun and excitement, Mini Moshers can look forward to live performances from the much-loved Slay Duggee, known for transforming children’s favourite songs and theme tunes into high-energy metal anthems and Rock Kids, whose energetic, interactive shows include everything from epic singalongs and snow machines to their famous ‘wall of hugs’.
 
This packed line-up confirms that District X remains the ultimate late-night entertainment hub, offering Downloaders an unforgettable festival experience from dusk until dawn.
Tickets and full information available at www.downloadfestival.co.uk. Sign up for exclusive news and offers as part of the Download Family at https://downloadfestival.co.uk/family/.
 
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill. 
 
Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk

100 DAYS TO GO UNTIL DOWNLOAD XXII

Download Festival, the greatest rock and metal festival of all time, is now only 100 days away. With the countdown now truly on, celebrate this year’s festival with our round up of Download By Numbers. This year’s festival will take place on 13-15 June 2025 at the spiritual home of rock in Donington Park, Leicestershire. Tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
 
DOWNLOAD BY NUMBERS
 
22 years of Download Festival
9 stages across the site, offering an array of entertainment across the weekend
120+ artists, from headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn on the Apex Stage, to new talent on the Avalanche and Dogtooth Stages, to DJs and secret sets in District X
90,000+ fans set to descend on Donington Park
100,000 expected mosh and circle pit steps per person
30,000 Download t-shirts in production
6000 new Download patches in production
5000 members of crew needed to build the site in 20 days
3690 barrels of beer and cider being brewed
3000 Download rubber ducks in production
3000 Download pin badges in production
1500+ yurts, chalets, tipis and airstreams in RIP Metal Meadow
931.56 acres of land to host Download Festival
300 bottles of champagne on the band riders
200 horns thrown by the Download Dog across the weekend
170 food and drinks traders onsite
150 miles cycled by the Heavy Metal Truants to get to Download each year
127 Big Green Coach vehicles used to get fans to the festival in the greenest possible way
57 golf buggies onsite to transport artists and crew
50 fans heading to the festival on their own to create a community in Camp Loner
48 countries represented by fans
46 tattooists onsite
34 hours of live music
20 British Sign Language interpreters available for customers
17 countries represented on the line-up
vegan food outlets 
3 secret sets in District X
4 exclusive plush Download Dog designs in production
Download Dog groomers onsite
and only time McFly have performed
1 unforgettable weekend of the best rock and metal music the world has to offer
0 Kilowatts of unrenewable energy used to power the Rock Retreat
 
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill.
 
Book your tickets now: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.