The Derbyshire metal fest have announced the first 25 bands for its 25th birthday bash next year – and it’s a stormer!
Next year, Bloodstock celebrates its 25th birthday. Getting the celebrations going already, they've just announced the first 25 bands for 2026 on the screens at this year's shindig, and it's massive.
Headlining will be returning heroes Lamb Of God and Judas Priest, as well as a debut turn at the top of the bill from Slaughter To Prevail.
"We are thrilled to return to headline Bloodstock in 2026!" says LOG frontman Randy Blythe. "The UK is one of our favourite countries in the world to play and Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals. And to Bloodstock security... I will make sure I have my pass on me at all times. See you next August!"
Meanwhile, on the Sophie Lancaster Stage, the fun will be topped by Wednesday 13, Leprous and Carpenter Brut, with Thursday night hosting Canadian death metal legends Cryptopsy performing their classic None So Vile album for its 30th anniversary.
Also announced so far are Sepultura, Bleed From Within, Municipal Waste, Biohazard, Orbit Culture, Of Mice & Men, Northlane, Death Angel, Vended, Life Of Agony, Imperial Age, The Scratch, Nevermore, 200 Stab Wounds, Shining, The Hell, Heavysaurus, and Black Spiders.
Next year will also see charity bike ride Heavy Metal Truants coming to Bloodstock for the first time. After 13 years of riding from London to Download to raise loads of money for Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins Music Therapy, Childline, and Save the Children, it'll now be heading to Catton Hall.
“Heavy Metal Truants is more than a cause - it’s a family, and our success and longevity is testament to the power of this metal community which we are so proud to be a part of,” says Alex Milas, who founded the organisation with Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood. “The help and generosity we’ve had from our friends at Download Festival has been nothing less than legendary, but after 13 years, the timing felt right to carry the torch to new, hallowed ground. The response from Bloodstock when we floated the idea was nothing short of phenomenal.”
Says Bloodstock Director Adam Gregory: “Bloodstock is honoured to have been chosen to have the baton passed to us from Download. As we join together with the Heavy Metal Truants on the next part of their incredible journey, I’m confident our fans will continue supporting such a monumental effort from HMT and everyone involved for some truly amazing causes.”
Bloodstock takes place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire, August 6 - 9, 2026.
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