Download Festival
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Download Festival 2026
From 10-14 June 2026, Download Festival returns to Donington Park in Derbyshire, hosting one of the UK’s biggest rock and metal events. Set in historic green fields, this multi-day festival draws tens of thousands of fans for a vibrant live music experience.
Music
The lineup covers the full spectrum of heavy music, featuring legendary headliners, emerging bands, and cult favourites across multiple stages running day and night.
Camping
Campsites open days before the festival, offering a range of zones including family-friendly, quiet, and lively party areas. Glamping options with extra amenities are also available for added comfort.
Food & Drink
Festival food caters to all tastes with options like gourmet burgers, kebabs, and vegan tacos. The beer garden provides a lively space to relax between sets.
Atmosphere
Download Festival is known for its inclusive, high-energy environment that welcomes all rock and metal fans. Beyond music, enjoy comedy tents, art installations, and a buzzing festival village where friendships form and memories are made.
By Car: Donington Park lies just off the M1 (junctions 23A and 24) and M42 (via the A42). Follow clear festival signs to the venue via the A453. Ample parking is available on-site, but during the festival weekend roads get busy, so allow extra travel time and consider car-sharing to reduce congestion.
By Train & Coach: The nearest train station is East Midlands Parkway, about 3 miles away. Regular trains from London, Birmingham and other cities stop here. On festival days, shuttle buses and taxis connect East Midlands Parkway to the festival site. Derby and Nottingham stations are around 10-15 miles from Donington; local bus services and coach lines (including National Express and Megabus) often run special routes to Download Festival from these hubs.
By Air: East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the closest airport, just a few miles from Donington Park. Regular shuttle buses, coaches and taxis run between EMA and the festival grounds. Birmingham Airport is about an hour’s drive (via the M42 and A42) and has frequent trains or coaches north to Derby or East Midlands Parkway. Even London or Manchester airports can work, with onward train travel and a short taxi or bus to complete the journey.
Accommodation: Many attendees camp on-site in tents, campervans or glamping pods (these often sell out early, so book ahead). If you prefer a hotel or B&B, look in nearby towns like Castle Donington, Derby, Nottingham or Loughborough for more options. These larger towns have a variety of lodging and dining choices. If staying off-site, plan your daily travel (bus, coach or taxi) for each return trip after the nightly shows. Check the official Download Festival website for any travel updates or road notices before you go.
Donington, Donington, DE742RP
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