Download announces District X line-up with Charlie Simpson, Bowling for Soup and more

With less than two months to go, Download Festival keeps bringing the goodies.

In its latest announcement the District X line up for Download Festival DLXXI has been revealed, with a DJ set from Busted and Fightstar frontman Charlie Simpson, a live acoustic set from Bowling For Soup and much more.

The District X area offers entertainment for fans away from the main arena.

This year will see DJ sets from Simpson, Sullivan King, Those Damn Crows, End Of The World Party, HE. SHE. THEY. x Mønster Queen, She They Press Play, Silent Disco DJ battles and many more.

After the success of last year’s live podcasts, Sappenin’ Podcast will be returning with special guests Alex Baker (Kerrang! Radio, Absolute Radio) and Alyx Holcombe (Kerrang! Radio), with Those Damn Crows bringing their Crowcast podcast to District X.

American DJ and heavy metal musician Sullivan King, known for his work in the EDM world and collaborations with Atreyu, Papa Roach, Ice Nine Kills and more, will be making his first UK appearance at Download, bringing his unique blend of EDM and heavy metal to District X.

As well as Bowling For Soup’s live set, Number Of The Beef will be playing covers from the Grand Theft Auto San Andreas soundtrack, while brass band Old Dirty Brasstards will be playing pop punk and metal covers. Old Time Sailors, a 20-piece sea shanty party band, will also be playing their ‘Power Set’, with hits from the likes of Metallica and AC/DC.

For something even more out there, Oh My God! It’s The Church will be bringing their Southern-style comedy church service with live band, dancers and preacher frontman to Download for the first time

You can also see Andrew O’Neill’s History Of Heavy Metal, a unique show from the metalhead comedian and author.

Kids aren’t left out as Slay Duggee, a heavy metal band for children, will be teaching the mini moshers how to circle pit (safely of course) with covers of kids’ songs and TV theme tunes, including ‘Baby Shark’.

Rock Kids will also be back at Download for the second time and promise to bring just as much fun with them as last year, when they did a wall of hugs and blasted everyone with a snow machine.

Sounds like there’ll be something for everyone in District X!

Gallery: Friday at Download Festival 2023

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• Download Festival
• Charlie Simpson
• Bowling For Soup