Bloodstock Open Air is now one of the most well-known metal festivals in the UK. Over the years, they’ve amassed some of the biggest acts that the alternative scene has to offer such as Megadeth and Slayer. However, the event's humble beginnings were not that long ago.
2001 saw the very first iteration of Bloodstock indoors at Derby Assembly Rooms. The headliners were Saxon and Orange Goblin, with the lineup mixing up-and-coming names with staples of heavy metal. The independent ethos of the festival along with its dedication to supporting unsigned and emerging artists is something that has helped maintain its popularity.
By 2005, the festival had grown enough to justify an outdoor move to Catton Hall in Derbyshire, where it remains today. At that point, the festival only had one stage but by 2006 the organisers felt the need to create a second stage dedicated to the unsigned artists they cared so much about. That stage is today known as The New Blood Stage and is home to the winners of the widespread battle of the band contest Metal 2 The Masses.
As the festival continued to grow in size, a third stage was created in 2007. From 2009, this has been called the Sophie Lancaster Stage to honour the alternative woman who was murdered for her appearance.
What sets Bloodstock apart from many other UK festivals is that it has maintained a small, community feel. The capacity today is 20,000 which means the event doesn’t feel over crowded or over commercialised. With the Gregory family being behind it since the beginning, there is certainly a family-led feel to the event. The genuine love of music and desire to create a well-crafted metal gathering is felt through the festival's meaningful touches.
The history of Bloodstock will continue to be written this year, when it returns from 6th to 9th August. It celebrates its 25th anniversary with headliners Saxon, Lamb of God, Slaughter to Prevail and Judas Priest. The full lineup is varied and exciting with bands big and small that are worth a watch, continuing to be a fan favourite across the board.
Emily Teague
Image: Bloodstock Official Lineup Poster 2026
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