Bloodstock have unleashed a whole host of news for their 25th anniversary edition this August, and not a single band announcement among it. Instead, it’s all about the stuff that makes Bloodstock, well, Bloodstock.
First up, the fancy dress themes. Thursday is Dinosaurs again, because with Heavysaurus on the bill it had to be. Friday goes dark and creative with Twisted Fairytales. Black widow bitten Miss Muffet? Malice in Wonderland? Goth fairies welcome. Saturday rolls back the clock to the 1980s, mullets encouraged, neon leg warmers optional, there is no such thing as too much leopard print. And on Sunday, in honour of festival founder and renowned fantasy artist Paul Gregory exhibiting his original Lord of the Rings-inspired oil painting ‘Morannon’ in the RAM Gallery, the theme is Lord of the Rings / Fantasy. Come as a dragon, a wizard, an orc, or even as Gollum, my precious.
The unmissable Black Ice Cream returns with a new and improved recipe, available from the ice cream truck closest to the Ronnie James Dio main stage. Food across the festival ranges from vegan fried chick’n and sushi to paella, smoked meats, gyoza, Spudman and mac ‘n’ cheese, with gluten-free, halal, veggie and vegan options all covered.
Late night entertainment is stacked. Thursday brings the legendary silent disco at the New Blood Stage from 11pm with more channels than ever. Friday sees Rich Harris host Rage Against the 90s with a special guest DJ set from Biohazard’s Evan Seinfeld. Saturday features four silent disco channels including DJ Pressplay delivering a full set of modern and classic country for your very own hoedown. Sunday wraps things up with classic singalongs and a taste of next year’s bands.
Bloodstock have also confirmed their 2026 charity partners: the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and the Heavy Metal Truants. The Heavy Metal Truants, co-founded by Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, are charting a new path this year with their annual charity cycle ride heading to Bloodstock for the first time. Having raised over £1.6 million for children’s charities since 2013, sign-ups for the 175-mile ride are open now at heavymetaltruants.com. Previous years have seen members of Amon Amarth, Trivium, Judas Priest, Enter Shikari and Orange Goblin take part.
Weekend tickets are sold out but day tickets remain at £99. Bloodstock 2026 runs August 6-9 at Catton Park, Derbyshire.
