Four days in August. Four headliners. One field in Derbyshire. Bloodstock Open Air 2026 marks the festival’s 25th anniversary, and by any measure, it is the most significant edition in the event’s history. Running from Thursday 6 August to Sunday 9 August 2026 at Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE12 8LN, the festival brings together around 20,000 metal fans for a lineup headlined by Judas Priest, Lamb of God, Saxon, and Slaughter to Prevail. This guide covers the full Bloodstock 2026 lineup by day and stage, ticket prices, camping rules, the Bloodstock bag policy and prohibited items, how to reach Catton Park by road, rail, and coach, and where to store luggage in Birmingham or Derby before or after the festival.
Bloodstock 2026: Dates, Venue and Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 August 2026 |
| Venue | Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8LN |
| Edition | 25th Anniversary |
| Capacity | Approximately 20,000 |
| Stages | Ronnie James Dio Stage, Sophie Lancaster Stage, New Blood Stage, Jägermeister Stage |
| Age Policy | All ages; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult |
| Camping | Full on-site camping included with most ticket types |
| Official Website | bloodstock.uk.com |
Catton Park occupies the grounds of Catton Hall, a working estate sitting centrally within the triangle formed by Lichfield, Burton on Trent, and Tamworth in the East Midlands. It is a genuine countryside site — green, open, and a world away from the urban day-festival format. The combination of lush farmland, river views, and several thousand people in battle jackets is one of the most distinctive atmospheres in UK festival culture.
Why Bloodstock 2026 Is Different
The 25th anniversary is not a milestone Bloodstock has treated lightly. For the first time in the festival’s history, the main Ronnie James Dio Stage will host a headliner on all four nights, including Thursday, which has historically been the warm-up day with support acts only. Saxon headlining Thursday night marks a historic first for the event. The booking closes a full circle on the festival’s quarter-century history, especially since the band’s original lineup personally knew Bloodstock founder Paul Gregory, and Saxon first headlined Bloodstock itself back in 2001.
The Heavy Metal Truants charity cycle is also redirecting its annual sponsored ride to Bloodstock for the first time in 2026, after thirteen consecutive years of riding to Download Festival. This is one of the clearest signals yet that Bloodstock has grown from cult metal gathering into a genuinely significant fixture on the UK festival calendar.
Bloodstock 2026 Lineup: Full Breakdown by Day and Stage
Ronnie James Dio Stage (Main Stage)
The Ronnie James Dio Stage — named in honour of one of the greatest vocalists in heavy metal history — is the beating heart of Bloodstock. For 2026, the four-night headline programme is as follows:
Thursday 6 August — Saxon
British heavy metal legends Saxon headline the opening night of the main stage for the first time in Bloodstock’s history. They were also the very first act to headline the festival back in its inaugural year, making this a deeply meaningful anniversary booking. Supporting the main stage on Thursday are Evil Scarecrow, who bring theatrical and self-deprecating comedy-metal chaos, and Heavysaurus, the Finnish dinosaur-costumed family metal act who have become genuine crowd favourites.
Friday 7 August — Lamb of God
US groove metal titans Lamb of God return to headline Friday night. Vocalist Randy Blythe delivered a characteristically direct statement on the booking: “We are thrilled to return to headline Bloodstock in 2026. The UK is one of our favourite countries in the world to play and Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals.” Organizers have also confirmed Fit For An Autopsy, Biohazard, Municipal Waste, Death Angel, and Vended for Friday’s main stage.
Saturday 8 August — Slaughter to Prevail
Russian-American deathcore act Slaughter to Prevail make their Bloodstock headline debut on Saturday night, one of the most striking booking choices of the 2026 festival cycle. They join main stage acts including Sepultura (on their farewell tour), Bleed From Within, Orbit Culture, Of Mice and Men, Northlane, Life of Agony, and Body Count (special guests).
Sunday 9 August — Judas Priest
The festival closes with Judas Priest, who are celebrating more than fifty years of making heavy metal history. This is the headline booking that defines the 25th anniversary programme. Also confirmed for Sunday’s main stage are Black Label Society (fronted by Zakk Wylde), Testament, Kittie, and others.
Additional confirmed acts across the full weekend include Slaughter to Prevail, Imperial Age, The Scratch, Seething Akira, Castle Rat, Wednesday 13, Nevermore, Leprous, Cryptopsy, Shining, and Carpenter Brut among many others.
Sophie Lancaster Stage
The festival names the Sophie Lancaster Stage—its second stage—in memory of Sophie Lancaster, whom attackers killed in a hate crime in 2007 for dressing as a goth, and it features its own headline acts each night.
| Night | Sophie Lancaster Stage Headliner |
|---|---|
| Thursday | Cryptopsy (None So Vile — 30th anniversary set) |
| Friday | Wednesday 13 |
| Saturday | Leprous |
| Sunday | Carpenter Brut |
New Blood Stage
The New Blood Stage is central to Bloodstock’s identity as a fan-run festival. The festival dedicates the stage entirely to emerging unsigned and early-career heavy metal bands, selecting them through the annual Metal 2 The Masses regional competition. Winners of M2TM heats from across the UK earn a coveted slot on this stage, and it has historically launched the careers of acts who went on to sign to major metal labels. For 2026, confirmed New Blood Stage acts include Mantis Defeats Jaguar (Thursday), who won their M2TM heat, alongside many others whom organizers will announce.
Bloodstock 2026 Tickets
Early-bird tickets for Bloodstock 2026 went on sale online from Monday 11 August 2025 at 9am, with VIP and campervan tickets available from Wednesday 13 August 2025. These tiers sold through quickly given the strength of the 25th anniversary lineup.
Current tickets are available directly from bloodstock.uk.com. Based on previous years, the standard ticket structure includes:
| Ticket Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Weekend Camping Ticket | Full festival access Thursday–Sunday with on-site camping |
| Weekend Non-Camping (Day Visitor) | Arena access without camping — limited availability |
| VIP Weekend Ticket | Access to Serpents Lair VIP camping area and dedicated facilities |
| Campervan and Caravan Pitch | Separate pitch pass required for live-in vehicles |
| Thursday-only Day Ticket | Arena access for Thursday only |
| Single Day Tickets | Subject to availability closer to the event |
Always purchase from the official Bloodstock website. Unauthorised ticket sources carry the risk of refusal at the gate — this is explicitly stated in the festival’s terms and conditions.
Bloodstock Camping Rules: What to Expect at Catton Park
Most Bloodstock ticket types include camping, which stands as one of the defining features of the experience. The campsite at Catton Park opens before the main arena days, giving ticket holders time to settle in before the music begins. The site closes on Monday morning, and organizers typically manage the final Monday departure well, given the rural location.
General Camping Rules
- All camping is on grass. Bring a good groundsheet and a sleeping bag rated for British summer temperatures — August nights in Derbyshire can be colder than expected
- Tents should be pitched in your allocated camping zone and must not block walkways or access routes
- Open fires are prohibited. Raised barbecue grills with charcoal are permitted in campsite areas, but you must never light a fire directly on the grass
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, including in
- Organizers expect noise in the general camping areas to continue well into the night, but the VIP campsite (Serpents Lair) has a midnight noise curfew, and security can eject those who disturb the peace there without readmission or refund.
- Organizers permit no glass anywhere on site — this rule includes both the campsite and the arena.
Alcohol Rules
Bloodstock’s approach to alcohol in the campsite is notably more relaxed than most UK festivals. The terms and conditions state that there is no numerical limit on the alcohol that can be brought into the camping area, but that a reasonable amount for personal consumption is permitted — meaning you can bring your own drinks to the campsite. However, no alcohol or outside food may be brought into the main festival arena. Drinks must be purchased inside the arena from official vendors.
Campervan and Caravan Access
Campervans and caravans require a separate pitch pass booked in advance. Importantly, a width restriction on Chetwynd Bridge means that campervans and caravans must not follow the same route as cars. Vehicles arriving via the A38 must exit onto the A5121 and follow Bloodstock signage rather than sat nav. This rule is enforced throughout the festival period. Ignoring it risks being unable to access the site.
Bloodstock Bag Policy and Prohibited Items
The Bloodstock bag policy operates across both the campsite and the main festival arena, with different rules applying to each.
In the Arena
When entering the arena from the campsite or from the main gate, bags are permitted but kept practical. Security search everyone on arena entry. Based on the official Bloodstock terms and conditions, the following apply:
- Refillable plastic or metal water bottles are allowed into the arena provided they are empty on entry — they can be refilled from water stations inside
- No alcohol or outside food may be brought into the arena
- No glass of any kind
Official Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited across the festival site, drawn from Bloodstock’s official terms and conditions:
| Category | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Knives, imitation weapons, and any object adapted for use as a weapon |
| Pyrotechnics | Fireworks and smoke canisters |
| Drugs | Illegal substances and new psychoactive substances — anyone suspected of carrying these may be handed to police, refused entry, or evicted without refund |
| Glass | All glass containers anywhere on site, including in the campsite |
| Photography | Unauthorised professional photography or recording equipment |
| Alcohol | Alcohol brought into the main arena |
| Food and Drink | Outside food and drink brought into the main arena |
Security at the arena entrance is thorough and consistent. Confiscated items are not returned. Do not attempt to bring prohibited items through the gate.
Getting to Catton Park: Travel for Bloodstock 2026
Catton Park is a rural site — there is no tube stop, no town-centre taxi rank, and no walkable public transport option from a nearby train station. Getting there requires planning. Catton Hall is located centrally within the triangle of three East Midlands towns: Lichfield, Burton on Trent, and Tamworth.
By Road
The main car route varies depending on your direction of travel.
From the North: Follow the M1 Southbound and exit onto the A38 at Junction 28, heading west for Burton/Birmingham. Follow festival road signage at the Alrewas/Rugeley/Tamworth A513 turnoff.
From the South via M1: Take the M1 from London and exit at Junction 24, following the A50 to Stoke. After a few miles, exit onto the A38 to Burton and follow Bloodstock signage from the Alrewas/Rugeley/Tamworth A513 turnoff.
From the West and South via M5/M40: Take the M42 Northbound. Between Junctions 8 and 9, take the M6 toll road and exit at T4 onto the A38 Northbound. Follow the festival road signs to the Alrewas/Rugeley/Tamworth A513 turnoff.
A critical note: do not follow sat nav when approaching the festival site. Bloodstock’s own official travel page explicitly warns against this due to a narrow bridge in Walton-upon-Trent that sat nav systems frequently route vehicles through. Follow AA road signs and Bloodstock event signage from the A513.
Car parking must be purchased in advance. A car-sharing scheme is available via Liftshare at liftshare.com/uk/community/bloodstock, which reduces both costs and the carbon footprint of the journey.
By Train and Shuttle Bus: Train Stations Near Bloodstock
For those travelling to Bloodstock without a car, the rail and shuttle combination is the most practical option. Shuttle buses run from both Burton on Trent and Lichfield City train stations straight to the festival site.
Birmingham New Street to Burton on Trent: CrossCountry services run regularly between Birmingham New Street and Burton on Trent. The journey takes approximately 30–35 minutes. Burton on Trent station is served by trains from Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Tamworth, and via cross-country routes from further afield including Cardiff and Newcastle.
Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City: From Birmingham New Street, take the train to Lichfield City — a journey of approximately 35 minutes. Lichfield City station is 7 miles from Catton Park, approximately 15–20 minutes by car or shuttle bus.
| Train Station | Approx. Distance to Site | Shuttle Available |
|---|---|---|
| Burton on Trent | ~8 miles | Yes (festival days) |
| Lichfield City | ~7 miles | Yes (Thursday and Monday) |
| Tamworth | ~10 miles | Taxi recommended |
| Birmingham New Street | ~20 miles | Transfer to Burton or Lichfield |
| Derby | ~20 miles | Transfer to Burton on Trent |
Confirm shuttle times on the official Bloodstock website closer to the event, as specific departure times and operating days are confirmed in the weeks before the festival.
By Official Coach (Big Green Coach)
Big Green Coach is the official and exclusive coach travel partner for Bloodstock. Coaches depart from dozens of pickup locations across the UK, arrive at the festival on Thursday, and return on Monday morning, making this the most convenient option for those coming from cities with a pickup point. The coaches drop you directly at the festival grounds, removing the need to arrange a connecting shuttle.
Confirmed 2025 pickup locations included Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Derby, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and many more. The 2026 programme is managed at biggreencoach.co.uk/bloodstock.
By Air
Catton Park is approximately 20 miles from both Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport (Nottingham). Both are viable entry points for international visitors, with onward travel by taxi or transfer to the nearest festival-linked train station.
Storing Luggage in Birmingham or Derby Before or After Bloodstock
Bloodstock is a camping festival, so most attendees will carry everything they need for four days on-site. But for those flying in and spending time in Birmingham or Derby before or after the festival, or anyone arriving at Birmingham New Street or Derby station with large bags they cannot take on the shuttle to Catton Park, luggage storage is a practical necessity.
Radical Storage provides secure, affordable luggage storage through a network of verified partner businesses for luggage storage Birmingham or Derby, and across the UK. Drop your bags at a verified local shop or business, collect them when you’re ready, and move freely around the city without carrying your full festival load. Pricing starts from £5 per bag per day, with all locations verified and insured.
A Brief History of Bloodstock Open Air
Bloodstock began as an indoor event. Paul Gregory, who had personal connections to bands like Saxon through his artwork career, launched the first Bloodstock Indoor Festival in Derby Assembly Rooms in 2001, headlined by Saxon. The indoor format continued for six years before the event moved outdoors to Catton Park in 2005, gradually expanding into the four-day camping festival it is today.
The festival’s mascot, S-tan, is derived from the legend of the Derby Ram — a beast so large that, when slaughtered, the butcher drowned in its blood. A competition to name the mascot chose S-tan, who has appeared on virtually all Bloodstock artwork ever since.
Despite being entirely independently owned and operated, Bloodstock has consistently attracted the biggest names in heavy metal. Previous main stage headliners include Slayer, Megadeth, Judas Priest (2018), Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Gojira, Machine Head, Lamb of God (multiple times), and many others. The 2026 edition, with Judas Priest closing the Sunday night of the 25th anniversary, adds a full circle to a journey that began in a Derby concert hall in 2001.
Bloodstock 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Bloodstock Open Air 2026 takes place from Thursday 6 August to Sunday 9 August 2026 at Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE12 8LN.
The Ronnie James Dio Stage headliners are Saxon (Thursday), Lamb of God (Friday), Slaughter to Prevail (Saturday), and Judas Priest (Sunday). Sophie Lancaster Stage headliners are Cryptopsy (Thursday), Wednesday 13 (Friday), Leprous (Saturday), and Carpenter Brut (Sunday).
Campers sleep on grass, and organizers permit no open fires. Organizers allow raised charcoal barbecues in the campsite. Campers may bring a reasonable amount of personal alcohol into the campsite, but they cannot take it into the arena. Organizers prohibit glass everywhere on site. The VIP Serpents Lair campsite operates a midnight noise curfew.
Knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, illegal substances, glass, professional recording equipment, and outside alcohol or food in the arena are all prohibited. Refillable plastic or metal water bottles are allowed into the arena if empty on entry.
Burton on Trent and Lichfield City are the two closest stations, with shuttle buses running to the festival site from both. Trains from Birmingham New Street and Derby serve Burton on Trent directly. Passengers can reach Lichfield City from Birmingham New Street in approximately 35 minutes.
Conclusion
Twenty-five years in, Bloodstock Open Air stands as something genuinely unusual in the UK festival landscape: a fully independent, fan-run heavy metal festival that has built its reputation entirely on the quality of its programming and the loyalty of its community. The 2026 edition marks that anniversary with a lineup that could not be more fitting — Saxon bookending Thursday in a nod to the festival’s very first headliner, and Judas Priest closing Sunday night as one of the most revered acts in the history of the genre.
Whether you are making the journey from Birmingham by train and shuttle, driving down from Manchester, or flying into East Midlands Airport from further afield, getting your travel and kit sorted in advance will free you up to focus entirely on what matters at Catton Park: four days of metal, camping, and community in the Derbyshire countryside.
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