District X Goes Interdimensional at Download 2025
Vengaboys, DJ sets from heavy icons, live podcasts, wrestling, and secret sets confirmed
With less than three months to go, Download Festival has revealed its most ambitious District X line-up to date, transforming Donington Park into a 24-hour playground for the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly diverse. Running from 11–15 June 2025, the after-hours hub is back with more energy, eccentricity, and surprises than ever before—and weekend tickets are almost gone.
This year’s District X programme sees Download pull from every corner of culture—pop, metal, comedy, podcasts, wellness, and wrestling—creating a truly immersive world outside the main arena.
Vengaboys Lead the Charge
Answering one of the most requested fan wishes, Vengaboys will headline District X with a party-fuelled throwback set sure to ignite nostalgia. Meanwhile, gothic legend Dani Filth will be spinning a twisted set of metal and dark anthems, while other DJ sets from Dougie Poynter (McFly), Aled Phillips (Kids In Glass Houses), Liam Cormier (Cancer Bats), and MODESTEP bring genre-bending chaos late into the night.
Not to be missed: a special acoustic set from Funeral For A Friend, bringing an intimate counterpoint to the late-night chaos.
From Emo Drag Karaoke to Immersive Séances
The offerings stretch well beyond music. District X regulars like Emo Drag Karaoke, Silent Disco, and the infamous End of the World Party return, while newcomers like She They Press Play, Zoe London, and Now That’s What I Call A 00s Mixtape (hosted by Sophie K) crank up the nostalgia and inclusivity.
One of the biggest curveballs? A collaboration between Lucha Britannia wrestling and Slay Duggee, landing Wednesday night with a raucous blend of theatrical wrestling and chaotic fun.
Podcasts, Quizzes, and Comedy
Live recordings of fan-favourite podcasts like Justin Hawkins Rides Again and On Wednesdays We Wear Black give Downloaders a front-row seat to unfiltered commentary and behind-the-scenes stories. Meanwhile, interactive quizzes (including Green Day, Korn, and Sleep Token themes), alternative bingo, and comedy sessions deliver wall-to-wall entertainment.
Wellbeing Meets Mayhem
Balancing the madness, Flow State Wellness returns with expanded offerings—from guided breathwork and mindfulness to drop-in sound healing sessions. New for 2025, Blink will host dedicated well-being tents offering mental health support and one-on-one therapy. Diverse UK expands its sensory calm spaces across two locations, supporting neurodivergent festival-goers.
Bigger, Wilder, More Inclusive
District X is expanding physically too, with revamped venues like the Ace of Spades, now accommodating 2,000 fans, and the new Gravers Return bar and food zone. Skate ramp demos, upgraded lighting, and improved accessibility guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Families can find their own slice of the action with the Mini Moshers campsite, where Slay Duggee and Rock Kids turn classic children’s entertainment into full-throttle rock spectacles.
With multiple secret sets teased across the weekend, District X is poised to deliver the wildest, weirdest, and most inclusive festival experience on offer this summer.
DLXXII will see Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headline the festival with the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Rise Against, Shinedown, Bullet For My Valentine, Spiritbox, Don Broco, Palaye Royale, Meshuggah, Within Temptation, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Steel Panther, The Darkness, Eagles Of Death Metal, Myles Kennedy, McFly, Jerry Cantrell and many more joining them on the bill.
Last remaining weekend tickets are available now at www.downloadfestival.co.uk
