As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, get ready for Download 2025’s District X, where Vengaboys, Dani Filth, Dougie Poynter, and more deliver the festival’s wildest, most diverse party yet!
Download Festival, the UK’s premier rock and metal event, has just dropped an electrifying announcement that’s set to make its 2025 edition one for the history books. The line-up for District X, the festival’s renowned “festival within a festival,” has been unveiled, and it’s being hailed as the “biggest and most diverse” offering yet at Donington Park. Scheduled for June 11-15, 2025, this year’s District X promises a wild mix of nostalgia, heavy music royalty, and unexpected surprises that will keep festivalgoers buzzing from dusk till dawn.
Vengaboys Lead the Party Charge
Headlining the District X program is none other than Dutch Eurodance legends Vengaboys, a booking that has already sent shockwaves through the Download community. Known for their infectious hits like “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!” and “We’re Going to Ibiza,” the group has been dubbed “one of the most requested bookings of all time” by festival organizers. Their high-energy performance is set to transform Donington into a nostalgic party paradise, offering a stark yet thrilling contrast to the festival’s heavier mainstage acts like Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn. It’s a bold move that underscores Download’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering something for everyone.
Rock Icons Take to the Decks
But the surprises don’t stop there. District X will also feature an eclectic array of DJ sets from some of rock and metal’s most recognizable names. Dani Filth, the iconic frontman of Cradle of Filth, will step behind the decks to deliver what’s being teased as a “nightmarish mix of gothic anthems and metal classics.” Meanwhile, Dougie Poynter, bassist of pop-rock sensations McFly, will bring his own spin to the turntables with a setlist packed with crowd-pleasers and unexpected gems. Joining them are Aled Phillips of Kids In Glass Houses and Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats, each adding their unique flair to the late-night festivities. The DJ lineup is rounded out by MODESTEP, known for their explosive fusion of dubstep, rock, and metal, ensuring the energy stays sky-high into the early hours.
Intimate Performances and Live Podcasts
For those craving a more intimate experience, Welsh post-hardcore heroes Funeral For A Friend will treat fans to a specially curated acoustic set, offering a rare chance to hear their emotive anthems in a stripped-back format. Adding to the diversity, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness will bring his acclaimed YouTube series Justin Hawkins Rides Again to the stage for a live podcast recording, promising witty insights and rock’n’roll tales aplenty. The On Wednesdays We Wear Black podcast will also make an appearance, further enriching the lineup with its blend of alternative culture commentary.
A Full-On Sensory Experience
District X isn’t just about music, though—it’s a full-on sensory experience. The 2025 edition will feature everything from the throwback vibes of “Now That’s What I Call A 00’s Mixtape” party, hosted by Kerrang! Radio’s Sophie K, to quirky additions like Emo Drag Karaoke and wrestling from Lucha Britannia. With enhanced décor, vibrant lighting, and an expanded Ace of Spades venue now accommodating up to 2,000 fans, the area is set to be a buzzing hub of activity throughout the festival. New features like the Gravers Return bar and food area, skate ramp demos, and improved accessibility further elevate the experience, ensuring District X caters to all tastes and needs.
Taking place alongside Download’s main event, which boasts a stacked lineup including Weezer, Bullet For My Valentine, and Opeth, District X extends the festival’s offerings beyond the main arena. Running around the clock from June 11, it’s designed to keep the party going with immersive performances, interactive events, and a vibe that’s distinctly Download. Whether you’re there to mosh, dance, or simply soak in the atmosphere, District X is shaping up to be an unmissable part of the 2025 festival.
Get Ready for Donington
With less than three months to go until the gates open at Donington Park, anticipation is building for what promises to be a genre-defying celebration of music and culture. The Vengabus is coming, Dani Filth is spinning, and Dougie Poynter is ready to rock the decks—Download 2025’s District X is proof that this festival isn’t afraid to mix things up and deliver the unexpected. Tickets are still available, but they’re going fast—secure yours now and get ready for a weekend like no other.
Support The Table Read Magazine
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.