The Second Wave of Download Acts is Here!

As always, Download is a great festival for the diversity and talent seen throughout the bill. With 22 new names added to an already impressive line-up, 2025 is bound to be another strong year for the iconic festival. 

The announcement kicked off with some big names in the alternative scene. Shinedown will be playing, a band who have been prominent in American rock music since its conception in 2001. They will be joined by punk rock band Rise Against, who were rumoured to be in attendance before the confirmation came in the second line-up announcement. Fans of pop-rock will also be treated to the Welsh icons Kids In Glass Houses. 

A number of heavier acts were also confirmed, bringing the metal and hard rock that Donington Racetrack has become synonymous with since its Monsters of Rock days. Swedish progressive metal stars Opeth will be sure to deliver their well-crafted and widely influenced tracks to the stage. The legendary band Municipal Waste will be in attendance to bring some thrash metal to the festival. Metal comes in all forms, many of which have been given a spotlight at this year's Download. This includes Japanese metalcore from Crossfaith, death metal from NECKBREAKKER and groove metal from Hatebreed. If this isn't heavy enough, death grind band Cattle Decapitation will be in attendance.

The diversity in acts announced is impressive, with many elements of alternative rock appreciated and included. Palaye Royale will be in attendance, the Las Vegas band has gone from strength to strength in recent years with their influences being similar to glam and garage rock. For the lovers of classic, hard rock there is Dirty Honey, who has opened for Guns N' Roses and provides a powerful stage presence. As well as this, Myles Kennedy will be in attendance who is known for his work alongside guitar legend Slash.

PRESIDENT seems to be a mysterious name on the bill. With speculation beginning already time will only tell what they have to offer for the festival goers. With the festival known to have secret sets and surprise guests, nothing is ruled out. 

As well as these names, the line-up additions include Twin Atlantic, AWOLNATION,  Bastardane, Smash Into Pieces, unpeople, MOTHICA, Power Trip, Elliot Minor and Zetra. There's sure to be something for everyone in here to delve into and discover. 

Camping and non-camping tickets are currently available on the Download website. Day tickets for the festival will be announced closer to the date, along with further names expected to be added to the bill.

Emily Teague 

@easter.everywhere

Image: Download Festival Official Poster

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