With less than a month to go until Download Festival returns, DLXXIII presents the full package of “Beyond the Bands” activities, offering visitors an even richer experience beyond the concerts. The festival will take place on June 10–14, 2026 at the historic Donington Park, with headliners Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park. Weekend tickets have already sold out, while limited Saturday day tickets remain available.
New partnerships: Final Fantasy XIV & Fourth Wing
This year Download brings two big partnerships:
- Final Fantasy XIV Online in District X, with a space dedicated to the game’s universe, its stories and its epic battles.
- Fourth Wing in the Arena, where fans of Rebecca Yarros’s books can visit the “General’s Office” and get exclusive merchandise.
Arcade Bar, Gaming & Competitions
For the first time at Download, the Four Quarters Arcade Bar will be in District X South with over 20 classic arcade games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Crazy Taxi and Time Crisis. Big competitions in Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros and Guitar Hero will also be hosted.
Cinema, Skate Ramps & Lionsgate
The festival brings back the Download Cinema in partnership with Lionsgate, with screenings such as:
- John Wick (in honour of Keanu Reeves who will appear with Dogstar)
- Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light
- A Brief History of Skateboard Videos (LSFF selection)
At the same time, the South West Skate Ramps return with free skate sessions and lessons for kids.
- Related article worth reading: Download Festival: The set times of this year’s event were announced
The Pit – Styling, Body Art & Alternative Beauty
A new addition for 2026 is The Pit, Download’s styling collective, with:
- barbers
- body piercing
- alternative beauty services
It will be in District X, next to the Mercian Axe Brewery Bar.
Fitness & Wellness: RockFit and Flow State
For those who want to stay active:
- RockFit returns to the Doghouse with rock/metal fitness workouts and the new RAGE Body Combat Class.
- Flow State offers daily morning sessions with gentle movement, breath work, meditation and sound baths, along with a 30-minute Q&A after each session.
Raven Records & Rockschool Workshops
Raven Records returns to District X South with curated metal selections, merch, alcohol‑free drinks and metal‑inspired coffee.
For the first time, Download will host Rockschool Workshops for kids aged 8–17, with full equipment (drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, microphones) and guidance from professional musicians.
The Hellfire Stage – The new food stage dedicated to Ozzy
2026 also brings the brand new Hellfire Stage, dedicated to the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. It will host:
- chilli‑eating contests (Clifton Chilli Club)
- hot dog competitions (Ollie Eats)
- live fire‑cooking demos from Shropshire Lad, The Fat Foodie, Cooking With LD and others
Overall, Download will have over 160 food traders, with plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian and coeliac visitors. Among them: Lost Souls (vampire‑themed pizza), Club Mexicana, Loki Poke, Be A Daal, Wholesome Junkies, Bunnyman’s Bunnychow, The Rock and Roll Toastie Co.
More than a music festival
With live sets, DJ sessions, comedy, podcasts and dozens of activities in District X, Download 2026 proves it’s much more than its line‑up. Five days full of music, gaming, art, wellness, food and experiences for every type of visitor.
More information and the last Saturday day tickets at: downloadfestival.co.uk
