Brighton is preparing for a sonic onslaught as Download Festival returns to The Great Escape (TGE) this May. In a powerful collaboration with the legendary Kerrang!, Download will host a specially curated three-day stage at Daltons from 13–15 May, bringing its signature heavy and alternative sound to the UK’s premier festival for new music.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Kerrang! Presents The Download Stage at TGE is designed to act as a bridge between grassroots talent and the hallowed turf of Donington Park. As Download enters its 23rd year, this partnership highlights its commitment to nurturing independent artists who are tipped to become the headliners of tomorrow.
The lineup features a diverse array of "resident noisemakers" performing between 6 pm and 10 pm daily. Highlights include:
Wednesday, 13 May: Headlined by Native James, featuring Frozemode and Mudrat.
Thursday, 14 May: Headlined by Comastatic, featuring Eurotripp and Overgrown.
Friday, 15 May: Headlined by Oversize, featuring Ally Nicholas and Heave Blood & Die.
The Springboard for Success
The Great Escape, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, remains the ultimate destination for music discovery. With over 450 up-and-coming artists performing across 35 walkable venues, the festival provides an unrivalled network of support for rising talent. This collaboration allows rock and metal fans to experience the intensity of Download in the intimate, vibrant setting of Brighton’s seafront.
A Massive Summer Ahead
The TGE takeover serves as the perfect warm-up for DLXXIII this summer. The 2026 edition of Download is set to be one for the history books, with Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, and Linkin Park confirmed as headliners. They will be joined by a massive bill including Halestorm, Architects, Cypress Hill, and Pendulum.
For 45 years, Kerrang! has remained at the forefront of the alternative scene, and this stage continues that legacy by flying the flag for the best new artists on the planet.
Final remaining Friday and Saturday day tickets for Download 2026 are on sale now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.
