While Download Festival is still the UK’s biggest gathering for rock and heavy metal, the event is pushing the boundaries of their attendees through their District X billing. District X offers an alternative to the big acts on the main stage, and this year’s offering is about as alternative as you can get – ‘90s boy band Five, comedy rockers Electric Six and former-children’s TV presenters Dick & Dom head off the list featuring club DJ sets, low-key acoustic performances and live podcast episodes.
Part of Download Festival’s identity is its commitment to alternative culture in its many shapes and forms. While the focus is on heavier music, the promoters do not shy away from booking acts that stand out – a precedent they now wish to push even further. Last year the site in Castle Donington welcomed ‘90s pop party-starters Vengaboys to District X, a decision widely celebrated by fans, and so far 2026’s poster shows a main stage set for US rap act Cypress Hill, as well as a weekend-closing third stage set from German dance act Scooter.
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District X is the festival’s entertainment complex – situated on the long walk to the arena where the majority of the live music is played, it’s home to shops, stalls, and two stages. The Side Splitter tent is used primarily for stand-up comedy and variety performances, while the Doghouse tent is occupied by the niche musical shows – acoustic sets by big artists, the cheesy pop excursions, and the late night silent disco after-parties.
The announcement today brought with it a full lineup of the weird and wonderful for June. First and foremost is the big pop act for the year in Five. Emerging at the peak of the ‘90s craze for British boy and girl groups, the band are still looked upon fondly in the present day for their timeless hits like ‘Keep On Movin’’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’. US rock group Electric Six broke into the mainstream in the early 2000’s with controversially raunchy tracks ‘Gay Bar’ and ‘Danger! High Voltage’, and they’ve earned a top spot on the bill.
The full announcement for District X’s entertainment at this year’s Download Festival
The high-end of the lineup also includes an acoustic show by pop-punk group The All-American Rejects, who headline the Avalanche Stage on the Saturday, and Bat Sabbath, the Black Sabbath tribute show performed by Canadian hardcore heroes Cancer Bats. Just below them we find the most-unusual inclusion, Dick & Dom. Once known for their absurd BBC children’s TV show ‘Dick & Dom in da Bungalow’, the double act of Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood are listed as performing a DJ set in District X.
Elsewhere there are further DJ sets from Holding Absence and Funeral For A Friend’s Lucas Woodland, goth rock’s Creeper, and dubstep act Modestep. More alternative entertainment comes in the form of adult Bingo parties, stand-up shows presented by The Comedy Store, and live podcast recording sessions. Keep your eyes peeled for secret sets, which will be revealed far closer to the time!
Download Festival comes to Donington Park from the 10th to the 14th of June, with a star-studded lineup headed by Limp Bizkit on the Friday, Guns ‘N’ Roses on the Saturday, and Linkin Park for Sunday. Camping options are fully sold out, but day ticket options are available here.
