Download Festival 2026: Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, and Guns N’ Roses Announced as Headliners

Other notable bands at the festival include Pendulum, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, and Black Veil Brides. Metal heavyweights Trivium, Mastodon, and Architects, as well as indie-rock bands Feeder and Ash, will also perform. The festival is scheduled from 10 to 14 June.

Linkin Park’s participation as the main headliner marks the first time in Download Festival history that a female-fronted band will occupy this position. The nu-metal band reformed last year, and Emily Armstrong is the new lead singer for this year. They have already toured globally and recorded their first new song since the death of former frontman Chester Bennington.

Some fans have raised controversies regarding Emily Armstrong’s association with the Church of Scientology and her support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Chester Bennington’s family has also criticized the band. Emily has distanced herself from Masterson, and Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda stated that she is not trying to take anyone’s place.

Additionally, Limp Bizkit will headline the festival for the first time. Last year at Leeds Festival, their live performance was the final one by Sam Rivers, who passed away at age 48 last month. Guns N’ Roses are currently on a world tour and recently performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s final live show.

The Download Festival primarily features rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, alternative, and classic rock, though in recent years, pop bands and surprise guests have also performed. For example, Vengaboys performed in the 2024 lineup, and Kinu Reeves’ band Dogstar is scheduled for 2026.

This announcement has excited fans for next year’s rock and metal festival, offering them the chance to enjoy popular songs from different eras of the bands.