Rock & Metal
Festival Guides

Download Festival is the UK's biggest dedicated rock and metal festival — held at Donington Park in June with multiple stages and a full camping weekend. Bloodstock Open Air is the best choice for heavier and extreme metal. Slam Dunk is the top pick for pop punk and emo. 2000trees is best for alternative rock discovery.

Download Festival 2026 takes place 10–14 June at Donington Park, Leicestershire. It is a five-day camping festival with rock and metal headliners, metal, alternative and heavy music across multiple stages. Day tickets and weekend camping passes are available.

Bloodstock Open Air 2026 runs 6–9 August at Catton Park, Derbyshire. It is a dedicated heavy metal camping festival known for its strong community atmosphere, diverse heavy lineups and comparatively affordable tickets.

Slam Dunk Festival 2026 ran across two sites — Hatfield Park in the South and Temple Newsam in Leeds — on 23–24 May 2026. Planning for 2027? Slam Dunk typically announces the following year's dates in the summer. Check the Slam Dunk guide for updates.

Slam Dunk Festival is the UK's premier pop punk and emo event, running in May. 2000trees also features strong punk and post-hardcore programming. Reading & Leeds regularly features pop punk acts, and Download includes metalcore and heavier alternative acts.

Essential UK camping festival items: waterproof tent, sleeping bag rated for cold nights, wellies, waterproof jacket, portable phone charger, cash (many stalls are cash only), earplugs, sunscreen, any medication, reusable water bottle and ID. Always check the specific festival's banned items list before packing — policies vary.