Download Festival 2026 is set to take over Donington Park in Leicestershire next weekend, bringing a massive lineup of rock and metal talent to the stage. With the event running from June 10 to 14, attendees are already looking ahead to the forecast to decide whether to pack sunscreen or waterproof gear.
The festival features a stellar roster of headliners, including Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park, all performing as UK exclusives for the year. Other notable acts set to perform include Bad Omens, Cypress Hill, Tom Morello, Trivium, Halestorm, Pendulum, Mastodon, BABYMETAL, Architects, and Feeder. The District X stage will also host performances from Five, Electric Six, and The All-American Rejects.
Weather Forecast for Download 2026
Given the mixed history of weather at Donington Park—most notably the challenging conditions of 2024—festival-goers are keeping a close eye on the skies. According to the latest BBC Weather forecast (updated June 6), attendees should prepare for a mix of conditions throughout the five-day event.
- Wednesday, June 10: Expect light rain showers and a moderate breeze, with the highest probability of rain occurring in the afternoon. Temperatures are forecasted between 9 and 18°C.
- Thursday, June 11: Light rain is expected to persist throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening, accompanied by a moderate breeze. Temperatures will range from 11 to 17°C.
- Friday, June 12: The day will feature drizzle and a fresh breeze. While rain is likely in the morning and around lunchtime, the likelihood of precipitation decreases as the day progresses. Temperatures will range from 11 to 20°C.
- Saturday, June 13: Conditions are expected to improve with light rain showers interspersed with sunny intervals. Temperatures will range from 12 to 21°C.
- Sunday, June 14: The final day will see drizzle and a moderate breeze, with increasing bursts of sunshine and a lower likelihood of rain as the day concludes. Temperatures will range from 14 to 23°C.
As always, weather at outdoor festivals can be unpredictable. Attendees are encouraged to download the official festival app for real-time updates on stage times and any potential schedule changes.
Reflecting on the festival's mission, organizer Andy Copping recently spoke to NME about the importance of supporting emerging talent. “For us, it’s about giving bands the opportunity to grow,” Copping noted. “We’ve got the platform and we want to be sending a message to those guys like ‘Come and play. We believe in you and you’ve got a great opportunity here.’”