Bloodstock 2026 begins on 06/08 and lasts for 4 days, wrapping up on 09/08. You can stay on site for a maximum of 4 nights.
In the UK, there are 8 other festivals on the same weekend.
Based on its maximum daily capacity of 20,000, we class Bloodstock as a Medium festival.
The festival is considered a family friendly and children are welcomed by the organisers. There’s a dedicated family camping area but there’s no specific children’s entertainment on site. There is no minimum age for entry.
Bloodstock is a weekend festival with facilities for on-site camping, where you can stay for a maximum of 4 nights. You can also buy day access tickets and arrange your own accommodation.
The 2026 lineup contains 23 acts. Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail and Judas Priest headline the festival.
6th – 9th August 2026
Bloodstock is 1 of 14 music festivals in England’s East Midlands. The festival’s full address is: Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LN.
We asked a popular AI tool a few things about Bloodstock. Here’s what it told us 👇
Bloodstock stands out as the UK’s premier independent open-air festival entirely dedicated to heavy metal music, from thrash and death to power and black metal. Unlike multi-genre festivals, it offers a focused experience for metalheads. It’s fiercely family-run, retaining a genuine grassroots feel despite its growing size. Its commitment to championing emerging talent through the Metal 2 the Masses competition, giving unsigned bands a stage alongside global legends, is also a distinguishing feature, fostering the next generation of metal acts.
For first-timers, preparation is key! Invest in good quality earplugs to protect your hearing and comfortable, sturdy footwear, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Be ready for typical UK weather – pack both sun cream and waterproofs. Hydration is vital, so bring a refillable bottle. Don’t just stick to the main stage; explore the smaller Sophie Lancaster and New Blood stages for hidden gems. Finally, embrace the friendly atmosphere, chat with fellow metalheads, and immerse yourself in the full Bloodstock experience!
While many know Bloodstock champions unsigned bands, fewer might realise the full extent of its unique “Metal 2 the Masses” programme. This isn’t just a local battle of the bands; it’s a nationwide network of regional competitions. Each year, over 1000 bands compete across the UK, with the winners directly earning coveted performance slots on the New Blood Stage. This rigorous grassroots pipeline ensures the festival continuously injects fresh talent into the metal scene, making the New Blood Stage a genuine snapshot of the genre’s future, directly curated by local scenes.
The atmosphere at Bloodstock is renowned for being incredibly friendly and communal, often described as a “metal family reunion.” Despite the aggressive nature of the music, the crowd is welcoming, passionate, and inclusive. You’ll experience high-energy mosh pits and enthusiastic headbanging at the stages, but also a relaxed, supportive vibe across the campsites. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of subgenre preference, unites to celebrate their love for metal, creating a truly unique and positive buzz.
As the information in this box (and this box only!) has been generated by AI, we can't guarantee its accuracy.
Festnav is not affiliated with Bloodstock and is not responsible for prices, ticket availability or any facilities offered at Bloodstock.
This information is presented with our best intentions but it may be incorrect as things change.
If you’ve got tickets for 2026 or are hoping to attend, add Bloodstock your Festival Planner here.
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