With just under two months remaining until the grand return of Download Festival, DLXXII has rolled out its ‘Beyond The Bands’ initiatives, enhancing the onsite experience for festival-goers with exciting new options in food, drink, wellness, and sports. Scheduled to take place from June 11-15, 2025 at the iconic Donington Park, this year’s lineup will feature headliners Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn. Secure your last-minute tickets here: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
This year’s DLXXII introduces several fresh attractions including the Mercian Axe brewery bar offering locally crafted beers; the Hair Of The Dog pub which boasts a roof terrace and beer garden; and a brand-new arena bar called The Iron Harp. Bar Zero—dedicated to low and no-alcohol beverages which returns alongside Raven Records’ pop-up vinyl shop that also features alcohol-free drinks as well as coffee and heavy metal-themed therapy discussions.
For the first time ever at Download Festival, attendees can participate in live blacksmithing workshops or immerse themselves in Darkfield Séance experiences as well as enjoy a Heavy Metal Sports Day. Additional activities include axe throwing, skate ramps, an enhanced wellness area featuring yoga and talking therapies, wrestling matches, RockFit sessions, live fire cooking demonstrations, daily themed quizzes, and an expanded Download Megastore! Old Sarum Tattoo will also be making a comeback this year.
Festival-goers can look forward to over 160 incredible food vendors throughout the event. With both beloved returning favourites and exciting newcomers on offer this year is set to cater more than ever before to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs.
Furthermore, the Welders Yard food and beverage area will be making a comeback at the top of the main arena, now on an even grander scale. It will feature a Beer Hall, Bar Zero as previously mentioned, and a diverse selection of culinary delights including genuine American smokehouse BBQ, homemade Spanish churros, and street food from Bangladesh and India.
