Download Festival will take place this weekend and fans are abuzz with speculation after it was revealed a “big band” will be playing a secret set.
This year’s event will mark the 21st edition of Download, which has long been considered Britain’s premier metal festival, with headliners including Queens of the Stone Age, Fall Out Boy and Avenged Sevenfold.
Despite a number of acts dropping out due to the festival being sponsored by Barclaycard, other bands set to perform include Royal Blood, The Offspring, and Limp Bizkit.
In addition, Ireland’s Eurovision entry Bambie Thug is on the lineup as well as Pantera, who will make their first UK appearance in 20 years at Download.
Ahead of Download 2024, event booker Andy Copping revealed that there will be secret sets at the festival – including a “big band”.
In an interview with Planet Rock, Copping said: “One thing’s for sure, you’ve got to keep your eyes and ears peeled for this year at Download because, yes, we have another band coming in doing a secret set. Something very, very special. Big band. So look out for that.”
Bands who have previously performed secret sets at the festival include Metallica, Enter Shikari, Creeper and Black Stone Cherry. With the festival running from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, thousands of fans are already flocking to the event in the East Midlands.
But which acts are being rumoured to perform a secret set at Download 2024? Here we take a look at some of the bands which could perform at this year’s festival – including Paramore.
5. You Me At Six
You Me At Six have recently announced extra shows for their farewell tour, and fans are hoping that they could sneak an extra performance in there with a secret Download set. | You Me At Six perform
6. Tenacious D
Another band being heavily rumoured to be the “big band” playing a secret set at Download are Tenacious D. Having recently finished their UK and European tour, fans are living in hope that the duo will make an appearance this weekend – however, according to the band’s social media, they are already home in the States, making this unlikely. | Getty Images
7. Foo Fighters
Currently touring the UK, the Foo Fighters are another act which fans are speculating could be playing a secret set at Download 2024. The Dave Grohl-fronted band will be playing two Manchester shows, with one day free in between on Friday, June 14, and another gap in their schedule on Sunday, June 16 ahead of their Glasgow show. | AFP via Getty Images
8. My Chemical Romance
Due to the 20th anniversary of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge taking place this month and certain hints on Andy Copping’s social media, fans are hoping that My Chemical Romance will play a secret set at this year’s Download. | Getty Images