Download Festival has long prided itself on balancing heritage acts with fresh blood, and 2026’s line-up continues that tradition with a wave of debutants stepping onto the Donington turf for the first time.
From genre-bending newcomers to long-established names finally making their bow, these ten first-timers are among the most intriguing additions to this year’s bill.
Cypress Hill
Few acts arriving at Download carry the legacy of Cypress Hill. The hip-hop pioneers bring their unmistakable blend of West Coast beats, stoner culture and crowd-commanding classics to Donington for the first time. It is a booking that reflects Download’s increasing openness to left-field icons – artists who may sit outside traditional metal but can still ignite a festival crowd. Expect mass singalongs and a set that cuts clean through the guitars.
Scene Queen
Scene Queen’s debut promises to be one of the weekend’s most visually and sonically distinctive sets. Her self-styled “bimbocore” fuses metalcore breakdowns with glossy pop hooks and a sharply ironic edge. It is theatrical, colourful and built for audience interaction, making her an ideal fit for a modern Download crowd that embraces both heaviness and personality.
Thornhill
Australia’s Thornhill arrive with a reputation for crafting atmospheric, cinematic metalcore. At times drawing comparisons to Deftones, their sound leans heavily on texture, mood and dynamic shifts rather than outright aggression. Their first Download appearance should resonate with fans who favour melody and depth alongside technical musicianship.
Bad Omens
Few bands on the bill feel as poised for a major festival moment as Bad Omens. After previously missing out on UK appearances, their Download debut arrives amid a surge in popularity driven by streaming success and a sleek, hook-heavy sound. Blending darkness with accessibility, their set has the potential to be one of the defining breakout performances of the weekend.
RØRY
RØRY brings a more intimate, emotionally driven angle to the line-up. Blending pop-punk and alternative rock with deeply personal lyricism, her music centres on lived experience and mental health themes. At Download, that honesty is likely to translate into a powerful, communal singalong, particularly among fans who have discovered her through social media and grassroots support slots.
Dogstar
Dogstar’s inclusion is one of the more curious – and talked-about – additions to the festival. Featuring Keanu Reeves on bass, the band trades in 90s-influenced alternative rock with a laid-back, nostalgic feel. Their debut is likely to draw a sizeable and curious audience, eager to see whether the Hollywood connection translates into a compelling live performance.
Mammoth WVH
Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH project arrives at Donington intent on proving itself beyond its famous surname. Delivering polished, melodic hard rock with a modern edge, the band focuses on strong songwriting and tight execution rather than nostalgia. Their first Download slot offers a chance to win over a crowd that still values classic rock foundations.
Catch Your Breath
Operating in the increasingly popular space between metalcore and radio-ready alternative rock, Catch Your Breath combine heavy instrumentation with clean, memorable vocals. Their sound aligns with the likes of I Prevail and Bad Omens, making them a natural fit for the current Download audience. Their debut set could quietly cement them as a band to watch.
Sleep Theory
Sleep Theory represent the next wave of crossover acts blending rock with broader influences. Incorporating elements of R&B alongside soaring choruses and alt-rock structure, they have drawn comparisons to Linkin Park’s more melodic material. Their Donington debut will be an interesting test of how far genre fusion can go with a traditionally heavy crowd.
TX2
TX2 stands out as one of the most internet-native artists on the line-up. Blending alternative rock, rap and heavier elements, his rise has been closely tied to short-form content and viral momentum. Download offers a very different environment – less screen, more sweat – and his debut is expected to grab the crowd as much as his viral videos do, bringing some incredible rock to the hallowed ground.
Download Festival takes place between June 10-15, with the arena open from June 12-14.