2025 would mark 21 years since I first attended Download Festival at Castle Donnington, and years later - a little bit older and unfit - I plan to do it all again this year.
Taking place at the former home of Monsters of Rock across June 13 to June 15 2025 this year, gone are the days where I’ll be up until the crack of dawn drinking with other campers - instead, I plan on getting a good night sleep somewhere, preferably with a shower and some nice bedding.
I can hear some of you using the term ‘glamping’ and I’m not afraid to admit yes, I think I’ll be glamping this year.
But this year’s line-up has a host of nostalgia for those of us who grew up during the era of P-Rock, Kerrang! TV and Scuzz, including headliners Korn and Green Day. But a look further down the bill, there are some hidden gems worth checking out too at this year’s event.
So who are the 21 acts I am looking forward to seeing already confirmed for Download 2025? Read on and find out!
7. Cradle of Filth
I'd be foolish not to check in on Cradle of Filth, having been a teenager during the height of their moral panic. Needless to say, I never had 'that' shirt they got into trouble for, but did indeed own a few of their albums - tucked away from family members. | Getty Images
8. Alien Ant Farm
A chance to catch one of the enduring acts of the nu-metal scene, of course I'm planning on having a bop around in the crowd when they drop Smooth Criminal or Wish. | AFP via Getty Images
9. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Looking for some fun in between the heaviness? Then might I recommend taking in some Me First and the Gimme Gimmes at Download for all your punk-cover needs? | Getty Images
10. Meshuggah
Titans of technical metal, I'll be front and centre when Meshuggah take to the stage - if not just for Jen's incredible facial expressions he pulls. | Getty Images
11. Jerry Cantrell
I grew up during the era of grunge, so of course I'll be going to pay tribute to Alice in Chains and the late Layne Staley by watching guitarist Jerry Cantrell in action at Download 2025. | Getty Images
12. Poppy
Poppy has been a curious name for me since I discovered her through WWE's NXT programming; her performance at Download is set to be the first time I see her performing live. | Getty Images for Giorgio Armani