The official Download Festival 2024 lineup featured headliners Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold. Held from June 14–16, 2024, at the historic Donington Park, the 21st edition of the festival (DLXXI) showcased over 80 bands across four primary stages: Apex, Opus, Avalanche, and Dogtooth. Fans could download the official lineup poster and stage times via the festival’s mobile app or the official website’s PDF guides. While the festival has concluded, the 2024 lineup remains one of the most diverse in its history, blending classic heavy metal with pop-punk, hardcore, and alternative rock to attract a multi-generational audience.
Download Festival 2024 Headliners
The 2024 edition of Download Festival was headlined by three powerhouse acts, two of whom made their debut as bill-toppers at Donington.
Friday: Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age made their first-ever appearance as Download headliners on the Apex Stage on Friday, June 14. Their set was a masterclass in desert rock, featuring hits like “No One Knows” and “Go With The Flow,” solidifying their status as modern rock icons.
Saturday: Fall Out Boy
Saturday night saw pop-punk legends Fall Out Boy headline the festival for the first time. Their high-energy performance included a career-spanning setlist, marking a significant milestone for a band that had previously played as sub-headliners a decade prior.
Sunday: Avenged Sevenfold
The festival’s grand finale was led by Avenged Sevenfold on Sunday, June 16. Celebrating their experimental eighth album, Life Is But A Dream…, the California metal kings returned to the Apex Stage for their third time as headliners, following previous slots in 2014 and 2018.
Detailed Stage Splits and Lineup
To organize the massive roster of talent, Download 2024 utilized a four-stage structure designed to cater to different sub-genres of rock and metal.
The Apex Stage (Main Stage)
The Apex Stage hosted the festival’s largest acts and headliners. Notable performers included Royal Blood, The Offspring, Sum 41 (performing their final UK festival set), Limp Bizkit, and Bowling For Soup. This stage was the primary destination for fans of anthemic rock and massive crowd singalongs.
The Opus Stage (Second Stage)
The Opus Stage provided a home for heavier and more diverse sounds, often featuring artists capable of headlining smaller festivals. Key sets included Pantera, Machine Head, Corey Taylor, Electric Callboy, and While She Sleeps. This stage was famous for its high-intensity mosh pits and legendary metal veterans.
The Avalanche and Dogtooth Stages
The Avalanche Stage focused on emo, punk, and alternative rock, headlined by acts like Busted, Billy Talent, and The Used. Meanwhile, the Dogtooth Stage catered to the “New Blood” and extreme metal scenes, featuring Fear Factory, Biohazard, and rising stars like Scowl and Gel.
Practical Information and Planning
Even though the event has passed, understanding the logistics of Download 2024 is helpful for those looking to download archival information or plan for future years.
- Dates: June 14–16, 2024 (Arena), with camping from June 12.
- Location: Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, UK.
- Arena Hours: Friday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Transport: Accessible via East Midlands Parkway station and the “Skylink” bus service from Derby and Nottingham.
- What to Expect: A mix of muddy fields (typical for Donington), high-octane energy, and a dedicated community of “Download Dog” fans.
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown: Every Artist at DLXXI
The 2024 lineup was strategically curated to ensure that no matter where you stood in the Donington arena, a world-class act was within earshot.
The Apex Stage (Main Stage)
The Apex Stage was the epicenter of the festival, hosting the biggest draws in modern rock.
- Friday: Queens of the Stone Age (Headliner), Royal Blood, Black Stone Cherry, Polyphia, The Struts, Those Damn Crows, and The Blue Stones.
- Saturday: Fall Out Boy (Headliner), The Offspring, Enter Shikari, BABYMETAL, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, The Hunna, Wargasm, and Bambie Thug.
- Sunday: Avenged Sevenfold (Headliner), Limp Bizkit, Sum 41, Bowling For Soup, Kerry King (Slayer), Creeper, Code Orange, and Lord of the Lost.
The Opus Stage (Second Stage)
Often considered “the heavy stage,” the Opus featured a mix of legacy acts and high-intensity modern metal.
- Friday: Funeral For A Friend, Heilung, Mr. Bungle, Soft Play, All Them Witches, Scene Queen, Halocene, and Hanabie.
- Saturday: Pantera, While She Sleeps, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Slaughter To Prevail, Karnivool, Bleed From Within, Asinhell, Florence Black, and Heriot.
- Sunday: Machine Head, Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Electric Callboy, Zebrahead, Elvana (Elvis Fronted Nirvana), Royal Republic, 311, Alien Weaponry, and Kelsy Karter & The Heroines.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Heavy Metal
Download 2024 marked the festival’s return to its traditional three-day format after the massive, four-day 20th-anniversary celebration in 2023.
21 Years of Donington
Since its inception in 2003, Download has been the spiritual successor to the Monsters of Rock festival. The 2024 edition was notable for being the first to feature Liquid Death as a headline sponsor. It also continued the tradition of “passing the torch,” as bands like Fall Out Boy and Queens of the Stone Age were elevated to headliner status for the first time, joining the elite ranks of past bill-toppers like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slipknot.
FAQs
Who were the headliners for Download 2024?
The three main headliners were Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy, and Avenged Sevenfold, with each closing the Apex Stage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday respectively.
Where can I download the full 2024 lineup poster?
While the official website now promotes future years, high-quality archival posters are still available for purchase or download via the Download Festival official shop and fan-run archives like Clashfinder.
What time did the music end each night at Download 2024?
To comply with local noise regulations at Donington Park, the music on the main stages typically concluded by 10:50 PM or 11:00 PM.
Was Sum 41’s appearance special?
Yes, it was their final-ever UK festival appearance before their scheduled breakup, making it one of the most-watched and emotional sets of the weekend.
Who performed the “secret” sets in 2024?
In 2024, the “secret set” tradition continued with a surprise appearance by Busted on the Avalanche Stage, which drew a massive crowd that exceeded the stage’s capacity.
What were the different stages at the festival?
The four primary stages were the Apex (Main), Opus (Second), Avalanche (Third/Alt), and Dogtooth (Fourth/Hardcore).
Did any band cancel their 2024 appearance?
While the majority of the lineup remained intact, fans will remember the late addition of Kerry King to bolster the Sunday bill after some minor scheduling adjustments earlier in the year.
How many times has Avenged Sevenfold headlined?
As of 2024, Avenged Sevenfold has headlined Download Festival three times (2014, 2018, and 2024).
Was there a silent disco at Download 2024?
Yes, the Doghouse and Ace of Spades areas hosted legendary silent discos and late-night DJ sets that ran until 3:00 AM for campers.
How can I see the 2024 set times again?
Set times are permanently archived on sites like Clashfinder and Music Festival Wizard, allowing fans to see exactly when their favorite bands played.
What was the weather like for the 2024 lineup?
True to Donington tradition, 2024 saw a mix of sunshine and heavy rain, leading to the infamous “Download Mud” that fans have come to embrace.
Who headlined Download 2024?
The three main headliners were Queens of the Stone Age (Friday), Fall Out Boy (Saturday), and Avenged Sevenfold (Sunday).
Where can I download the 2024 lineup poster?
While the official site now focuses on future events, high-resolution archival posters can still be found on the Download Festival official shop or via the festival’s social media archives.
Which band played their final UK festival set at Download 2024?
Canadian pop-punk legends Sum 41 performed their final UK festival appearance on the Apex Stage on Sunday as part of their farewell tour.
Did Busted play Download 2024?
Yes, in a move that surprised some fans, pop-rock trio Busted headlined the Avalanche Stage on Friday night to a capacity crowd.
Was Pantera on the 2024 lineup?
Yes, the current incarnation of Pantera, featuring Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown alongside Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, sub-headlined the Opus Stage on Saturday.
What time did the music start and end?
The music typically began around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM and concluded by 10:50 PM each night to comply with local noise regulations.
Can I still buy Download 2024 merchandise?
Limited edition 2024 lineup shirts and posters are often still available on the Official Download Merchandise Store until stocks are depleted.
Who were the “secret” or late additions to the lineup?
Notable late additions included Kerry King (Slayer), Creeper, and Bambie Thug, who were added to the bill in March 2024.
Was there a sponsor for the 2024 festival?
Yes, the event was officially titled Liquid Death Presents Download Festival, marking the first time the festival had a headline partner.
How many stages were at Download 2024?
There were four main stages: Apex, Opus, Avalanche, and Dogtooth, plus smaller entertainment areas like the Doghouse and The Den.
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