Download Festival 2025: Pop Acts Divide Opinions Amidst Festival's Continued Success

Download Festival 2025: A Changing Lineup and Evolving Atmosphere Download Festival, held annually at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK, has once again drawn large crowds. This year, however, the festival's lineup sparked considerable discussion among attendees. BBC News interviewed several festival-goers to gauge their reactions to the inclusion of pop acts like McFly and Vengaboys alongside the usual rock and metal headliners. One attendee, a young woman wearing a Korn t-shirt, noted, "I think they've changed in a way that like, the people that are booking the acts are taking a bit more of a gamble." She pointed to a shift towards less elitism and a more eclectic mix of artists. Another attendee, a man wearing a band t-shirt, expressed a different view, stating that "it's exactly the same as it has been since 2003." He added, "it's not necessarily a bad thing." The diversity of opinions highlights the festival's ongoing evolution and its ability to attract a wide range of music fans. The festival's success, despite the changing lineup, underscores its enduring appeal and adaptability. The inclusion of pop acts alongside traditional genres seems to be a calculated risk that has, at least so far, paid off.