Rock fans are starting to get excited about next year’s Download Music Festival, with the first lineup announcement being made next week, on Monday, November 3.
First held in 2003, the festival takes place in Leicestershire’s Donington Park - with the biggest names in rock playing to one of the world’s most appreciative audiences.
Over the years it has attracted a string of high profile headliners, including the like of Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Metallica, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Kiss, Faith No More, and Guns N' Roses.
Last year saw Green Day, Sleep Token, and Korn close the three days on the main stage.
And next year the festival will take place from Wednesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 14 - with hundreds of Scots making the trip south of the border.
The internet message boards have been swirling with rumours and gossip about the bands that could make the grade this year.
Here are 17 of the most hotly-tipped.
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9. Deftones
Strong rumours that Deftones would play Download this year came to nothing, so maybe 2026 will be different. They have a well-received new album in 'Private Music' and have already announced a series of gigs in the UK. The issue could be that Download like attracting 'UK exclusives' who aren't playing any other British gigs. Still, few would complain about seeing them on the bill. | Getty Images
10. Def Leppard
Def Leppard have a long relationship with Download - having played it back when it was still called Monsters of Rock. The Sheffield chart-toppers have headlined the most recent incarnation of the festival three times - in 2009, 2011, and 2019. They are touring the UK over the summer so it'd be fairly easy to fit another gig into their calendars. | Getty Images for Live Nation UK
11. Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit were a huge success headlining Download 2024 - even sceptics were forced to admit they put on a pretty remarkable show. Could 2026 be soon for them to return? Both Metallica and Slipknot have headlined twice in three years so there's certainly a precedent. | AFP via Getty Images
12. Architects
Architects played second on the bill to Bring Me The Horizon at Download 2023. Could it be time for them to step up to the top spot? They have a new album in the shape of 'The Sky, the Earth & All Between' and will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of debut album 'Nightmares'. Download loves an anniversary... | Contributed