The Wildhearts Added to Download Festival 2026 Line-Up – Saturday 13 June at Donington

The Wildhearts have been officially added to the Download Festival 2026 bill, performing on Saturday 13 June 2026 at Donington Park.

The announcement comes as a major boost to this year’s already stacked lineup, which is headlined by Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses and Linkin Park, and also features Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Daughtry, Mastodon, Those Damn Crows, Creeper and many more.

Ginger Wildheart said: “So f—ing honoured to be asked to play Download Festival this year. Can’t wait to see my old buddy Andy Copping there, a man who has championed The Wildhearts since my first ever gig as a singer/shouter. We are massively grateful to the Gods of Rock n Roll for making this happen and will make them proud.”

Former Download Festival booker Andy Copping replied: “A pleasure to have you, Ginger. It will be great to see you and catch up.”

A Triumphant Return for The Wildhearts

This will be a high-profile festival slot for the British rock veterans, who recently played a clutch of UK shows and are set to hit the road again in May with dates in Hull, Aberdeen, Stirling and Edinburgh.

The addition is especially poignant following Ginger Wildheart’s recent diagnosis with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Ginger has been open about his diagnosis but has chosen not to undergo treatment, stating he intends to continue rocking and “die with dignity” while focusing on positivity.

Download Festival 2026 – What to Expect

Download Festival returns to its spiritual home at Donington Park with a massive three-day celebration of rock and metal. The Wildhearts’ Saturday afternoon/early evening slot adds another dose of classic British rock energy to an already world-class bill.

Tickets for Download Festival 2026 are on sale now.

FAQs – The Wildhearts Download Festival 2026

When are The Wildhearts playing Download Festival 2026? Saturday 13 June 2026 at Donington Park.

Who else is on the Download 2026 bill? Headliners: Limp Bizkit, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park. Plus Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Daughtry, Mastodon, Those Damn Crows, Creeper and many more.

What did Ginger Wildheart say about the booking? He called it “a f—ing honour” and said the band will make the Gods of Rock n Roll proud.

Are tickets still available for Download Festival 2026? Yes – tickets are on sale now via the official Download Festival website and major retailers.

Has Ginger Wildheart spoken about his health recently? Yes – he has been open about his Mantle Cell Lymphoma diagnosis but has chosen not to undergo treatment and plans to continue performing with positivity.

Will The Wildhearts play any other UK dates in 2026? Yes – they have confirmed shows in May in Hull, Aberdeen, Stirling and Edinburgh.

Rock News final word: The Wildhearts back at Download Festival after years away is the kind of news that gets every proper rock fan buzzing. Ginger and the band always deliver chaos, heart and pure rock ‘n’ roll energy — and on that legendary Donington stage it’s going to be something very special. See you in the pit on Saturday 13 June!