2025 would mark 21 years since I first attended Download Festival at Castle Donnington, and years later - a little bit older and unfit - I plan to do it all again this year.
Taking place at the former home of Monsters of Rock across June 13 to June 15 2025 this year, gone are the days where I’ll be up until the crack of dawn drinking with other campers - instead, I plan on getting a good night sleep somewhere, preferably with a shower and some nice bedding.
I can hear some of you using the term ‘glamping’ and I’m not afraid to admit yes, I think I’ll be glamping this year.
But this year’s line-up has a host of nostalgia for those of us who grew up during the era of P-Rock, Kerrang! TV and Scuzz, including headliners Korn and Green Day. But a look further down the bill, there are some hidden gems worth checking out too at this year’s event.
So who are the 21 acts I am looking forward to seeing already confirmed for Download 2025? Read on and find out!
5. Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter
I wasn't of age to see Sex Pistol during their heyday, and missed out when the band reformed for their Filthy Lucre tour; though I won't get to see John Lydon with the group (I still have PiL), I am certainly not going to miss them with Frank Carter at Download 2025. | Henry Ruggeri
6. The Darkness
Nostalgia is strong with this pick; as a complete contrarian, I ended up disliking The Darkness because they felt everywhere. But now a little older and a little less of a contrarian, I think I'd quite enjoy seeing the band play in my older years. | Simon Emmet
7. Cradle of Filth
I'd be foolish not to check in on Cradle of Filth, having been a teenager during the height of their moral panic. Needless to say, I never had 'that' shirt they got into trouble for, but did indeed own a few of their albums - tucked away from family members. | Getty Images
8. Alien Ant Farm
A chance to catch one of the enduring acts of the nu-metal scene, of course I'm planning on having a bop around in the crowd when they drop Smooth Criminal or Wish. | AFP via Getty Images