Iron Maiden, Limp Bizkit & Marilyn Manson for new UK Donington Rockfest!

United Kingdom | | 19 February 2003

The two day Download Festival will take place at the home of rock, Donington Park, on the weekend of 31 May and 1 June. Iron Maiden, Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson and Deftones are the first acts confirmed for the futuristic event.

This will see Iron Maiden's only UK live performance this summer and marks the return of Limp Bizkit for their first UK live show in more than two years.

Tickets are available now from the Virtual Festivals ticket shop.

A spokesperson for the festival said:
"Our aim and ambition is to turn Download into one of the most innovative festivals in Europe, marrying the best artists in the world with today's most leading edge consumer technology experiences. We are creating an incredible interactive experience to reflect the current attitude that music fans have with regards to mobile phones, the internet, live music and downloads."

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson said:
"Playing in front of your home crowd is a fantastic way to kick off the Give Me Ed ...'Til I'm Dead Tour. There are some really strong bands on the bill and I think this will be the festival of the summer for sure. We've known for a few weeks that this was all coming together and I've found it very hard to try and not let anything slip out in case we gave the game away. To be playing Donington again means a lot to us as it's remembered as being the true home of metal festivals. To be headlining there again after so long is an indication of the resurgence of the music we all love. It's a very special festival for us as it really does feel like home."

Iron Maiden have headlined Donington festivals twice previously, back in 1988 and 1992, the former with record-breaking attendances in excess of 100,000 fans. This year's festival will have over 50 of the best and most cutting edge bands in rock playing across three stages over the two days.