System of a Down, Biffy Clyro and Aerosmith have been announced as the headline acts for 2017's Download Festival.

The first 15 acts were revealed today as festival organisers prepare for the event's 15th year, which takes place at Donington Park in Leicestershire from 9-11 June.

Download veterans System of a Down are headlining the Friday; it'll be the third appearence by the Californian rock band after their headline sets in 2005 and 2011.

Scottish band Biffy Clyro will headline on the Saturday night, making their headline debut at the festival after achieving their second number one album with their seventh record, Ellipsis.

Closing the festival are Aerosmith, in what will be their only UK performance of 2017 and the third time they have headlined the festival.

Guitartist Joe Perry said: "Every time we go on tour I look at the schedule for cities, towns or events that I look forward to playing. Download Festival is always one of the ones I circle.

"Donington is like home to us. I have some great memories playing there and I can't wait to make more."

Also scheduled to perform at Download 2017 are: Slayer; supergroup Prophets of Rage which features members of Rage Against the Machine Cypress Hill and Public Enemy; Simple Plan, and Rob Zombie.

Download Festival’s Promoter, Andy Copping said: "We’re incredibly excited to announce the Download 2017 headliners. We have three giants of rock and metal topping the bill. As always, Download fans can expect world class performances across the weekend. You won’t want to miss a thing.

"System of a Down made headline history back in 2011 and 2017 will no doubt see them bigger and better than ever. Saturday’s headliner, Biffy Clyro, have raised the bar for rock music – we’re always looking for bands to make their Download headline debut, and I have no doubt they’ll be worthy of the title.

"The mighty Aerosmith will be back, and their closing set will be something truly special. The band has a long history with Donington, and having them headline for us again is a real honour."