This year’s weather reports seemed to offer almost wall to wall sun for the full week of Download Festival 2025 a near complete reverse of 2024’s constant rain.

Nestled in the heart of the UK's rock and metal scene, Download Festival has a rich legacy that connects generations of music lovers. With a large contingent of the attendees stepping foot on this legendary ground for the first time, (without fresh blood and all that) the excitement was palpably frantic.

With iconic headliners Green Day, Korn and the explosively divisive, Sleep Token - the stages are ready for a (long) weekend filled with energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments; celebrating not just the music, but the vibrant community that makes this festival a spiritual home for fans from around the world.

So, diving into some our experiences and highlights that defined this year’s Download 2025, kicking off with a wild twist of a booking with the unexpected debut of the Dutch Eurodance sensation Vengaboys!

Performing in The Doghouse in the lively Download Village, the high-energy group electrified the crowd of rock and metal fans as the group bounced around and blasted there chart-topping hits. “We Like To Party!” and “We’re Going To Ibiza!” provided a joyous spectacle, with thousands bouncing and dancing to infectious beats with all the excited energy of Labrador puppies all sporting, sporting huge grins and screaming along, a few fans even bought their own VengaBuses. Festival boss Andy Copping hit the nail on the head, emphasizing the need for evolution in music festivals, and Vengaboys perfectly embodied that philosophy, proving that rock and dance can throw an unforgettable party together.

If you ever wondered what it’s like to be flung back into the early 2000s while simultaneously being swept off your feet by an energetic pop-punk hurricane? From the moment the lights dimmed and McFly launched into their set with Where Did All The Guitars Go? We got to find out.

Bassist Dougie Poynter got everyone set up and wound up for McFly's first ever wall of death - the entire tent erupting into to laughs and groans as the band went into All About You: a ballad. So a few thousand voices ring out from around the entire tent. Everyone embracing the moment, being at Download, being with friends, being free of responsibility whatever the reason was everyone appeared to be singing with abandon.

Frontman Kenta Koie commanded the stage with an infectious intensity that drew everyone in, his dynamic presence complemented by the pulsating beats of drummer Amano Tatsuya. Tatsuya, a true spectacle in his own right, seemed almost too animated to be confined to his drum stool—his relentless movement and sheer enthusiasm set the perfect pace for the band’s exhilarating performance that included Freedom, Jägerbomb including Terufumi Tamano chugging from a bottle of, and Monolith. No flashy visuals or gimmicks, Crossfaith stands out for their pure, unadulterated passion.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Hatebreed’s set as much as I did. From the moment they hit the stage, it was clear that this was a band that knows how to deliver a show. The mix of chugging riffs and powerful shout-along had the crowd roaring, and the crowd surfers flowing throughout. Then from a fake out wall of death yesterday to Hatebreed’s Balls of Death. These giant inflatable balls took from flying around the crowd, to being taken by the wind all the way to the Ferris wheel. Hatebreed left me with a new appreciation for their music and a big smile on my face.

What sets Loathe apart is not just their ferocity but also their incredible restraint. They often hold back their raw power, only to unleash it in a visceral explosion that leaves the audience reeling. Their ability to glide from expansive post-rock to crushing, dissonant metal is nothing short of mesmerizing. The atmosphere at Download transformed as towering walls of heaviness crumbled into ethereal, melodic refrains.

The unpredictability makes it so exhilarating—every twist and turn feels like an adventure. Plus the genuine camaraderie shared between Kadeem France and guitarist Erik Bickerstaffe during their final moments on stage encapsulated a sense of triumph - a testament to the passionate connection they have with their music and audience.

As the echoes of some iconic performances and the roar of the crowd starts to fade, and we reminisce on the sunny vibes, and countless memories made, we are certainly already buzzing with anticipation for next year’s epic return. My Chem for 2026! So, strike a violent pose and mark your calendars for June 10-14, 2026—it's time to start counting down to another wild ride of music, mayhem, and memories at Donnington. Don’t miss out book early and save with Early Bird tickets on sale now more details and official ticket agency links: www.downloadfestival.co.uk.  

Review: Download Festival 2025

Download 25 - Beyond The Bands