Here’s who’s playing the Download Festival test event

Just think, in but three weeks’ time, 10,000 of us will be back at Download, moshing, mask-free, having a whale of a time. On Wednesday, Download announced the three-day, camping only fest on the weekend of June 18-20, at which testing will be required to enter, as test-event to prove that it’s possible to hold large-crowd gatherings safely. If all goes well – and previous test events in Liverpool strongly suggest it will – this will be the most important gig of the summer, the one that puts the green light on for the rest of the year.

Most importantly: moshing is allowed.

Fittingly, as we dig for victory against COVID by watching bands and having a beer together, Download have announced a truly heroic line-up. Alongside headliners Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine, the bill will showcase the best and the brightest of British rock music across two stages.

“After 18 months trapped inside, we cannot wait to be back in our favourite element; playing music beneath an open sky," says Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds. "It's also fitting, as we have a long history with Download… 2021 being the 15th anniversary of our first time there - which also happened to be our first ever festival show! We’re incredibly proud to be headlining an event that helps to get live music back on its feet in the UK.”

Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine adds, “We're beyond honoured to be part of this historic music event to kick start the live music industry, and bringing back live music to people lives. The world has been quiet for too long, time to bring the noise!”

The man behind it all, Download promoter Andy Copping, is delighted at both the line-up, and to be hosting such an important festival. “We’re incredibly excited to safely welcome back fans to Donington Park, and honoured to play a vital part in the return of live music to the UK," he says. "Putting together a line-up of 40 outstanding bands including headliners like Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Enter Shikari and Bullet For My Valentine is something the Download brand is uniquely able to do and made possible by a thriving UK rock scene and deep pool of in-demand talent. With moshing back on the cards, this is going to be a true celebration of festival spirit and something special to be a part of.”

The full line-up is (deep breath)…

Friday

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Neck Deep
Sleep Token
Boston Manor
Holding Absence
Hot Milk
Malevolence
Death Blooms

Saturday

Enter Shikari
Creeper
While She Sleeps
Stone Broken
Twin Atlantic
YONAKA
Those Damn Crows
A
Vukovi
Tigercub
Wargasm
The Hara
Bleed From Within
As Everything Unfolds
Conjurer
Lotus Eater

Sunday

Bullet For My Valentine
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Skindred
The Wildhearts
Trash Boat
Massive Wagons
Elvana
Jamie Lenman
Lonely The Brave
Higher Power
Loathe
Chubby And The Gang
Employed To Serve
Cassyette
Saint Agnes
Static Dress

Full details and ticketing info can be found at Downloadfestival.co.uk See you there!

READ THIS: What happened when I went to Download's virtual festival