Download Festival have this morning added 21 more bands to the #DL2018 lineup, including CKY, Andrew WK, Hell is for Heroes, Avatar, and Bad Religion.

Organisers have also confirmed the return of the festivals wrestling arena, WWE NXT, featuring massive NXT stars such as Aleister Black and Shayna Baszler.

21 artists added to Download 2018 lineup

Avatar’s melodic metal is the new addition to the Main Stage lineup. The Zippo Encore (second) Stage sees headbanger Andrew W.K return to Donington Park, alongside nu-metal punks CKY and Grammy-nominated Nothing More.

Also set to feature on The Zippo Encore Stage are alt-rock pioneers Hell Is For Heroes. These acts join second stage headliners You Me At Six, Parkway Drive, and Babymetal.

Elsewhere on the #DL2018 lineup, the final headliner on The Avalanche Stage has been confirmed as punk legends Bad Religion. The stage is also set to feature Black Foxxes and LA punk foursome Bad Cop / Bad Cop.

The remaining bands joining the lineup this morning are Culture Abuse, Lawnmower Deth, Starcrawler, Ded, Being As An Ocean, Ecca Vandal, Igorrr, Loathe, Kaiser Franz Josef, Helpless, Cellar Darling and Anchor Lane.

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Download’s 2018 is already set to welcome Guns N’ Roses as headliners, alongside Ozzy Ozbourne and Avenged Sevenfold. Bullet For My Valentine return to The Main Stage, alongside American rock superstar Marilyn Manson.

WWE NXT set to return for #DL2018

Download Festival have also confirmed in this morning’s announcement that it’s incredibly popular WWE NXT rock-wrestling show will return at this year’s event. The massive NXT names set to feature include Aleister Black, Adam Cole, Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, Nikki Cross, Shayna Baszler, Kairi Sane, Kyle O’Reilly.

Download promoter Andy Copping said: “I am incredibly fired-up to welcome WWE NXT back to Download Festival. This festival’s exclusive marriage of rock and wrestling is totally unique and the only place where you can see the world’s most legendary rock stars and the brightest WWE prospects together. If previous years are anything to go by this is going to be the biggest most fun weekend ever.”

NXT star Alester Black was quoted: “I’ve been a music guy all my life. Getting to combine the two things that I love the most, metal and sports entertainment, on one of the most exciting stages in the world and to perform for a fanbase that understands me and is responsible for my success will make this an unforgettable experience.”

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