Going into day 2 of Download Festival 2026 is just as exciting but with an added layer of tiredness. Alise has the chance to photograph and review two amazing bands before going back to interviewing and networking, with support from Artemi who then takes over the rest of the day’s photos.
For me, Alise, the day starts with a bright and early 11am Pussyliquor set, and what an incredible turnout! A crowd has already formed at the Dogtooth stage whilst Brighton’s female punk band are sound checking and everyone is ready to rage with them. This five-piece band fill the canopy with energy from the moment they enter – jumping, kicking and screaming, you couldn’t help but get hyped for the day. Luckily we get to find out more about them in an interview that you definitely don’t want to miss.
They are a true reminder that punk is still very much alive and fits perfectly into this heavy music festival. And what a scene it is, a group of women rioting about patriarchy and women’s rights while blending humour and rage in their lyrics, all in a setting known to be dominated by men. This is how true change is made!
Not long after, I am living a dream, capturing South Arcade as they dominate the Apex stage with remarkable vocals from Harmony, complete with fire and smoke! Whoever gave Harmony a smoke machine was a genius because the excitement radiating from her brings more energy to the stage than the effect itself. Having already been impressed with South Arcade’s performance at Reading Festival last year, it is incredible to see them on the main stage of Download, particularly timely given their recent new music release.
With their creative set props that make it instantly clear who’s on stage, and overall high-energy performance, they’re not just an incredible record band but also 100% worth watching live. They bring a whole music video set to the stage of Download, and their 2000s-influenced alt-rock tunes make a festival field feel like home. And with the band making every fan feel seen, and Harmony even coming down to the barrier to sing with them, this is a set people won’t forget.
It is then Artemis’s turn to take over, and although the next band is one we both wanted to see, Birthday privileges are used. There is no way a Birthday at Download can be a bad one especially as she gets to DJ at this one too! So with that, here is the rest of the day from Artemis.
Getting a last-minute bump up to a set on the second stage, As Everything Unfolds draw a big and energetic crowd for so early in the day (especially with the late-notice set swap). Mostly playing from the emotional rollercoaster (in the best way) that is the newest album, Did You Ask To Be Set Free, the crowd was definitely enjoying it by starting moshing and circle pitting.
Darting about the stage, frontwoman Charlie swaps between raw and clean vocals, her skirt asking “Do You Believe In Destiny” on one side, one of the themes explored on their newest record. ‘Gasoline’, one of the heaviest tracks from the album, leads into a closing run with two of their best-known older tracks, ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘On The Inside’. This really gets the crowd motivated, the pit opening wider and swapping from mosh to circle, the audience giving back just as much energy as the band are putting into it.
Next up is possibly the most unique group on the line-up, Lowen. As the daughter of Iranian Revolution refugees, Nina Saeidi does not shy away from her origins but rather embraces them by adding Middle Eastern elements to metal. Women with swords may not be the basis for a system of government, but they are very much welcome on the Download stage, Nina wielding both sword and dagger in an almost ritualistic manner. Lowen’s powerful vocals and visuals projected on the screen behind them are enough to convey the band’s full energy.
Relative newcomers Die Spitz have been rising quickly since forming in 2022 with their mix of grungy, punky heavy rock and lyrics that wouldn’t be amiss in a riot grrrl band. Arriving on stage, they immediately show off for the crowd, with bassist Kate performing a handstand before righting herself to start playing. Their quick set of 8 songs on the smallest stage makes a strong statement that they should be playing bigger and longer next time!
Up next is the group that is known for its weather-related bad luck, but history doesn’t repeat itself today. With the skies staying unusually clear for BABYMETAL‘s main stage set, even Su-metal comments on it: “We are so happy to be back at Download, with sunshine!”. The trio from Japan, with their incredibly talented support band Kami Band, are always a highlight (when they actually get to play) and this year proves to be no different. Opener ‘Babymetal Death’, with its melodic choral intro, tricks you into a false sense of security before the heavy chugging guitars and angry chants hit you. Alas, still no on-stage collab for ‘Ratatata’, their bouncy collab with Electric Callboy (also performing this weekend). Hopefully one year that will happen.
Last set of the day for us is at Avalanche’s new location that proves to be better for the packed-out crowds that this stage often gets. And Hot Milk are one of those acts tonight, the crowd spilling out around the tent several deep. Calling for a big fat hole, singer and guitarist Han is soon rewarded with a large moshpit forming, one fan even bringing a carton of (no doubt hot in this weather) milk into the pit. Known for their high energy sets, the Mancunian band don’t disappoint. ‘Breathing Underwater’ gets a long crowd singalong without a note or chord struck by the band while closer ‘Party On My Deathbed’ brings crowd surfers aplenty “to make the security sweat a bit” as per Han’s orders.
