PODCAST · news
Festpod
by Wilko Productions
Rock festivals, live music and the people who make them happen. News, interviews and festival coverage from across the rock and metal community. Visit festpod.co.uk for the latest articles, reviews and features. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Download 2026: Bigger Crowds, Longer Walks, and Tough Choices
There’s still a day of Download left, but finding the energy for it is another matter. Neill Wilkinson, Arran Prime and Rob Hemingway settle onto the grass in the guest area for Festpod 92, recorded on Sunday at Download Festival 2026. Rob’s been out for Modestep and a late-night trip to the fun...
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Download 2026: Would You Pay Extra for the Guest Area?
A bit more space, a shower and a proper toilet. At a festival, those things can start sounding dangerously appealing. For Festpod episode 91, Neill, Arran and Rob catch up in the guest area on day two of Download Festival 2026. We talk about the appeal of R.I.P. and guest camping, whether we’d…
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Missing Download? Come Back With Us | Download Festival 2026
Missing Download already? Come back to the field with us - no tent to put up this time. For Festpod episode 90, Neill Wilkinson, Arran Prime and Rob Hemingway catch up with Paleface Swiss, Return To Dust, Self Deception, Rockin’1000 founder Fabio Zaffagnini and the RockFit crew at Download…
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The Dream of Playing Download Festival | Six Bands. One Stage. One Unforgettable Day
Every band dreams of playing Download Festival. For six unsigned bands, that dream became reality at The Takeover 2026. In this special episode, FestPod follows the emotional journey of six bands as they step off the Download stage and reflect on achieving a lifelong ambition. Hear from 40,000...
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Why RADAR is One Of Our Absolute Favourite Festivals
Right then! Welcome back to Festpod, the Unofficial Rock Festival Guide. For Episode 88, we are getting stuck into one of the absolute best weekends on the entire music calendar - Radar Festival! We’re looking back at all the brilliant madness from the 2025 edition and looking forward to what’s...
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Download 2026 Map Explored, Glass ban, Bin ban, & Our Top Lineup Picks!
In episode 87 of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, Neill, Rich, and Arran talk about this year's Download Festival - what's coming up, what's changed, and what we're looking forward to. Topics this episode: - Railway bans bins. We discuss East Midlands Railway's decision to ban...
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REVEALED! The 6 unsigned bands playing Download '26
The Download Community Takeover is your shot at playing the festival. It happens every year in District X, what used to be known as the Village, on the Doghouse stage. Bands submit videos of themselves playing and a panel whittles them down to six bands who will play on the first day of Download...
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Meet the Bloodstockers!
Festpod heads to Bloodstock Open Air 2025! 🤘 In this episode, we dive deep into the chaos, community, and unforgettable moments of one of the UK’s biggest heavy metal festivals. From wild crowd moments to exclusive interviews, this is your all-access pass to Bloodstock Festival. We meet the fans...
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Download's lineup, Bloodstock updates, and Ozzfest returns?
Welcome back to Festpod, the unofficial rock festival guide! In Episode 84, Neill and Rich are diving deep into the massive Download Festival 2026 lineup. We’re talking the return of Linkin Park (with Emily Armstrong), the "lengthy" Guns N' Roses sets, and why on earth Scooter is on the main...
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Six unsigned bands play Download Festival!
In episode 83 of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes, and Arran Prime meet: - @allearsavowband - @CollapseTheSky - @changepersonaband - @DACARAUK - @TWOYEARBREAK - @ExistImmortal and Hevs, the organiser of the Takeover at Download. with our sponsor: Fat Frank's Camping Shop...
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Mediterranea Metal Cruise - A luxury heavy metal festival!
In episode 82 of Festpod - the Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, with hosts Neill Wilkinson & Rich Holmes: We discuss Mediterranea Metal Cruise. It's a metal holiday! The value for money compared to other fests Varied activities onboard Passengers were from varied backgrounds around the world.…
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Mediterranea Metal Cruise - A metal ship for metal fans!
In episode 81 of Festpod - the Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, with hosts Neill Wilkinson & Rich Holmes: As heavy metal music fans, we've been going to rock festivals for a long time - but never outside of the UK, and certainly not on a cruise ship! That's exactly what Mediterranea Metal Cruise…
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Lineups teased and revealed; Live Nation breakup? and Reading Rising interviewed!
In episode 80 of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes, and Arran Prime discuss: - Download Festival lineup teased and a commemorative coin is available. - Bloodstock lineup additions. - Live Nation is investigated over monopoly fears. - Reading Rising creators are interviewed about this...
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A metal festival on a CRUISE SHIP? And our Download STAGE SHOW reviewed!
In episode 79 of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes discuss: - The branding and merchandise updates from Download Festival; - Bloodstock announces that a 4th headliner will appear on Thursday night; - Mediterranea Metal Cruise is sold out for this year - we take a deeper look at what…
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A Walk Around Bloodstock Festival
in Episode 78, Neill, Rich, and Arran take a walk around the main arena for a guided tour of Bloodstock Festival 2025, discovering what's on offer at the stages and stalls, and meeting many happy people along the way. with Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Find all our…
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New outdoor fest! The Sanctum Festival
In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes chat to Joe Hammond - the guitarist from the metalcore band Assurance, and also the creator of a new festival - The Sanctum festival in Digbeth, Birmingham. Get your tickets here:...
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Meet all six Takeover at Download bands playing in 2025
In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes interview the six bands chosen to perform at the 2025 Takeover at Download. All Ears Avow, Collapse The Sky, Change Persona, Dacara, Two Year Break, and Exist Immortal all talk about their upcoming appearance on the Doghouse stage…
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Rock Festivals are Evolving: The Rise of Unexpected Acts!
In this episode of Festpod, hosts Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes discuss the latest updates from Download Festival 2025, including improvements to facilities, new camping options, and insights into the festival experience. They also introduce new sponsors and merchandise, while sharing personal...
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Bleed Again reveals new music AND new guitarist! PLUS Harry Hammerdown and his 2025 festival plans!
Festival season 2025 is upon us and we're ready for action! We have two interviews in this, Episode 74. Firstly, we'll chat to Bleed Again who update us about their lives since headlining the Takeover at Download 2024, lineup changes, and their new track out Friday the 16th May - Obsession! Then,...
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REVEALED! The six bands playing the Takeover at DOWNLOAD Festival 2025
This episode reveals the final six bands. Hevs, the organiser, joins us to discuss them and gives us her thoughts on the band's music, journey so far and potential reaction by the Download crowd. with our sponsor, Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Find all our video…
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72 - Download Festival 2025: Takeover Details, Secret Sets & Festival Facts
It’s almost time for festival season, and we’ve got all the latest updates! The Download Takeover is open for band submissions—so if you’re in an unsigned band, this is your shot at playing the festival. We also discuss the secret sets confirmed for this year, the latest lineup details, and some...
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71 - Download & Bloodstock updates!
In the 71st episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, There are some big updates to Download & Bloodstock this time! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Pre Titles 0:47 - Fat...
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70 - Gig at Lion's Den
In the 70th episode of Festpod: This episode, we're out at Lion's Den bar in Manchester to enjoy the Defences gig, with support from Crushed By Waves. By this point, we've already drunk a lot. Sorry. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Please support us on Patreon!…
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69 - Our Guide to Radar Festival
In the 69th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from the metal band Crushed By Waves. This time we're talking about Radar Festival - a 3-day indoor rock festival held in…
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68 - How is DL looking for 2025? Dubs of Rock & Veiled's new album
In the 68th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We'll talk about Download's lineup for 2025, Nova Rock, and Rock am Ring! Then we chat with Rich Halpin from Dubs of Rock - a rock festival of...
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67 - BOA sold out! DL price rises
In the 67th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We'll talk about Download, Bloodstock, Slam Dunk, and Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 -...
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66 - Live from Serpent's Lair: Bloodstock '24
In the 66th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. We've completed day 3 of Bloodstock and now we're having a beer in the guest area - Serpent's Lair! with...
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65 - Bloodstock 24, Live from the Festpod House
In the 65th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, and Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. We've completed day 2 of Bloodstock and now we're back at the Festpod House! with...
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64 - Giddy first day at Bloodstock '24!
In the 64th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide... Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. We've just arrived at Bloodstock and despite the rain, we're giddy kippers! with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat…
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63 - Interviews with Hammerdown Festival / Those Damn Crows
In the 63rd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, and Rich Holmes, from Richard Holmes Photography. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 - Title sequence 01:01 - Intro 01:49 -...
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62 - The final six bands play the 'Takeover at Download' 2024
In the 62nd episode of 'Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide,' we get exclusive backstage access to the Takeover at Download. Six bands were chosen from the hundreds who applied, and today they play the Doghouse Stage - a huge tent in the District X, or what used to be called 'the village'...
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61 - Sunday in camp at Download Festival 2024
Neill and Rich meet Trish Rayner, one of the forum admins and community organisers to record their latest episode at Download Festival. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch...
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60 - Saturday in camp at Download Festival 2024
It's raining and muddy, which means one thing: It's Download Festival! Neill and Rich take shelter whilst chewing over the last 24 hours. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our…
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59 - Friday in camp at Download Festival 2024
Neill and Rich chat with Emma Whitehead who runs Download Festival Dark Side and Download Festival Downsizing groups. For early access to episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here:...
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58 - Thursday in camp at Download Festival 2024
We’ve arrived at Download Festival! Here’s what we’ve been up to so far! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57 - We interview all six bands playing the Download Takeover '24
In the 57th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography. with https://fatfrankscampingshop.com Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 Title sequence 01:01 Intro 02:12 Contact...
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56 - Get ready with us for Download Festival xxi!
In the 56th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography and Eamon Shortt - ShorttyETV from Twitch! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot 0:41 Title sequence 01:01 Intro 05:34 Contact...
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55 - Bands announced for Takeover at Download Festival!
In this Special episode of Festpod - The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, Hevs reveals the bands chosen to play at this year's Boardie Takeover at Download Festival. Hosted by Neill Wilkinson, with Rich Holmes. Guests are Heather Gibb (Hevs), Arran Prime from Crushed By Waves. Patreon:...
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54 - Ghost release intimate merch & AC/DC announce shows!
In the 54th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Our hosts are: Neill Wilkinson, Rich Holmes - from Richard Holmes Photography, Eamon Shortt - ShorttyETV from Twitch, and Morgan Harding from Andromedous! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 08:02 -- Festival News -- 05:15 - Nimbus…
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53 - Busted to play Download Festival!? and Ozzy vs Kanye!
In the 53rd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:11 -- Festival News -- 05:15 - Download festival release next wave of lineup INCLUDING BUSTED!? 13:47 - Damnation festival lineup update - Cradle of Filth 19:57 - Kanye uses Ozzy sample without...
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52 - Arran from Crushed By Waves helps review the Festival News
In the 52nd episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide: Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:07 -- Festival News -- 05:23 - "We need to keep bringing new bands through" according to Download booker 18:45 - Download RIP is mostly sold out 24:31 - Live Nation ends merch cuts for small bands…
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51 - We check out the 2024 festival lineups!
In the 51st episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we look forward to the year of rock and metal festivals in 2024! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 03:07 -- Festival News -- 03:21 Download Festival lineup 30:55 Radar festival lineup 34:16 Takedown festival lineup 39:51 Bloodstock lineup...
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50 - Behind the Scenes at Bloodstock
In the 50th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we chat to one of the festival directors from Bloodstock - Adam Gregory! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 03:31 -- Post Festival Season -- 06:08 -- Behind the Scenes at Bloodstock -- with Adam Gregory 46:57 Outro For early access to...
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49 - Festival Season Review of 2023
In the 49th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we look back on the year of rock and metal festivals to decide how it went in 2023! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 05:06 -- Festival News -- 05:18 'Heavy Music Awards' Review 07:36 'Slam Dunk Festival' Review 13:23 'Download Festival'...
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48 - A Love Letter To Bloodstock
In the 48th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we meet a huge chunk of the bands who played Bloodstock in 2023! Timestamps ⏱: 0:00 Intro 02:33 Chris from Visions of Atlantis 06:28 The Violent Inzident 20:22 Martin from Headpress 25:51 Seething Akira 31:26 Skora 38:39…
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47 - Bloodstock BETTER than Download Festival???
We sit down at Bloodstock and compare our favourite heavy metal festivals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46 - Friday at Bloodstock
We visit Catton Park in Derbyshire to get all the juicy bits from Bloodstock Festival 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45 - Download Band Interviews
In this special 45th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we interview the Boardie Takeover bands after their performances, Fat Frank's Camping Shop, plus a number of actual Downloaders in various states of fancy dress. And then we rub a gnome. For early access to episodes and...
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44 - Sunday at DL23
In the 44th episode of Festpod: The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide, we've reached our final day at Download Festival 2023! For early access to our regular episodes and other exclusive benefits, support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch...
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43 - Saturday at DL23
We try and figure out what day it is as we look back on Friday's acts at Download 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Rock festivals, live music and the people who make them happen.
News, interviews and festival coverage from across the rock and metal community.
Visit festpod.co.uk for the latest articles, reviews and features.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Wilko Productions
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Festpod have?
Festpod currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Festpod about?
Rock festivals, live music and the people who make them happen. News, interviews and festival coverage from across the rock and metal community. Visit festpod.co.uk for the latest articles, reviews and features. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How often does Festpod release new episodes?
Festpod has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Festpod?
You can listen to Festpod on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Festpod?
Festpod is created and hosted by Wilko Productions.
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