Bloodstock

Experience the ultimate metal pilgrimage at Bloodstock Open Air, the UK’s answer to a summer rock extravaganza. Nestled in Catton Park near Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, this four-day music festival (August 6-9, 2026) brings together thousands of metal fans for a headbanging celebration. Across multiple stages, you’ll witness visionary rock and metal acts—from internationally renowned bands to underground heroes—thrilling the crowd with thunderous riffs and powerful vocals. Bloodstock’s lineup spans every major metal genre: hair-raising heavy metal, blistering thrash, brutal death metal, melodic power metal, and more. Whether you’re here to discover your new favorite band or to see legendary acts live, every moment on stage is charged with raw energy and shared passion for the music.

For fans, Bloodstock is more than just music - it’s a complete festival experience bursting with extras. Wander the Metal Market to browse one-of-a-kind band merchandise, vintage vinyl, custom guitars, and rock-inspired artwork. After the sun sets, the legendary Sophie Lancaster Stage transforms into a haven of late-night performances and DJ sets, celebrating gothic and alternative metal in memory of a beloved fan. Between sets, refuel at an array of food stalls offering everything from gourmet street cuisine to classic festival fare, and quench your thirst at festival bars pouring craft beer and real ale. Be sure to visit Lemmy’s Bar, a tribute to the Motorhead legend, where cold brews flow and rock stories are shared long into the night.

The camaraderie of camping at Bloodstock is legendary. Spread out your tent or park a campervan in the festival campgrounds, where you’ll find a sea of fellow metal fans decorating their sites with everything from band banners to fairy lights. Early birds often claim prime spots near the stages, while others upgrade to comfortable on-site glamping options (pre-pitched luxury tents and ready-made campsites make packing easy). Mornings here have their own soundtrack - distant guitar warm-ups and cheerful greetings - as you brew coffee with neighbors who might have partied at the Sophie Lancaster Stage until dawn. The scenic Derbyshire countryside only enhances the vibe: after dark, stroll woodland paths under the stars or relax by the riverbank with new friends, recharging for another day of headbanging.

What truly sets Bloodstock apart is its fan-driven ethos and attention to detail. The colossal Main Stage and Second Stage host the biggest headliners, while the New Blood Stage champions emerging talent battling to break into the scene. All around the site you’ll find surprises: acoustic sets in quiet corners, pop-up performances under starlight, a signing tent where fans meet their heroes, and even workshops on gear and musicianship. The festival lives by a fan-first ethos - expect top-notch sound, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Each year, Bloodstock delivers the ultimate metal family reunion: thousands of hoarse voices unite under roaring stage lights, proving that heavy metal’s community is as strong as its music.