Leicestershire, UK: Download Festival has unveiled its headliners for next year’s three-day rock and metal spectacle — with Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and Guns N’ Roses set to take centre stage at Donington Park from 10 to 14 June.

They will lead a stacked lineup of more than 90 acts, spanning rock, metal, hardcore, and alternative music. Other confirmed performers include Pendulum, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Black Veil Brides, Trivium, Mastodon, Architects, as well as indie favourites Feeder and Ash.

Linkin Park’s appearance will be particularly historic — marking the first time a female-fronted act has headlined Download since the festival launched in 2003. The band recently reunited with vocalist Emily Armstrong, who joined the group following the death of former frontman Chester Bennington in 2017.

The return has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans questioning Armstrong’s role and raising concerns over her alleged ties to Scientology and her past comments related to actor Danny Masterson. Bennington’s son, Jaime, also criticised the move, suggesting the band was “quietly erasing” his father’s legacy. Armstrong has since distanced herself from Masterson, and founding member Mike Shinoda has reiterated that she is not a replacement but a new chapter for the band.

Next year will also mark a milestone for Limp Bizkit, who will headline Download for the first time in their career. Their latest UK appearance came at Leeds Festival, which was also the final live performance of founding bassist Sam Rivers, who passed away last month at age 48.

Rock icons Guns N’ Roses continue their global tour and recently performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show in Birmingham. Their return to Download adds further star power to the festival’s biggest-ever line-up.

Download continues to expand its musical horizons, featuring surprise and crossover acts in recent years, such as pop dance group Vengaboys in 2024. The trend continues, with actor Keanu Reeves’ band Dogstar set to appear at the 2026 edition.

Known for spotlighting the full spectrum of heavy music — from metal and punk to alternative and classic rock — Download’s 2026 festival promises another unforgettable weekend for fans.