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 coming up for 2026.

Neill Wilkinson is joined by the amazing Arran Prime from the band Crushed By Waves to chat about why this indoor Manchester gem at the O2 Victoria Warehouse is so enjoyable. Think about it: no trudging through ankle deep mud, no freezing in a tent, and hotels literally all over the place. It genuinely feels like a giant VIP guest area all weekend.

We’re breaking down the sets from heavy hitters and incredible acts like Carpenter Brut, Zeal & Ardor, As Everything Unfolds, Future Palace, Lake Malice, and Pint Glass (yep, the lads in the high vis jackets with the traffic cones). Plus, we talk about the upstairs gear market, delectable pastries, the legendary Mosh Pit Mime drinking game, and a bit of weirdo science about why circle pits only spin anti clockwise.

Whether you’re watching along on YouTube to see the footage or listening on the move, come and join the chat!

Check out the Festpod links:

• Support us on Patreon (and grab the behind-the-scenes Debrief episode!): https://festpod.co.uk
• Get your Festpod Merch (Don't be a mug, get a bloody mug!): https://festpod.shop
• Our Official Sponsor: Shout out to Fat Frank’s Camping Shop! Order your festival essentials at https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 festival-goers from bringing wheelie bins full of beer and camping gear onto their trains.

- RIP Park Farm glass ban. We look into the Download rules, including the controversial ban on glass in the RIP Park Farm campsite. Can it be enforced?

- Lineup Updates: We share the unfortunate news that Static X has cancelled their 2026 tour dates, including their Download appearance, due to serious medical issues. 

- The 2026 Map Reveal: We take a long look at the newly released festival map. We examine the massive expansion of the RIP areas and the brutally long walk facing families in the Mini Mosher and Quiet Camps. 

- Inside District X: We look at what's happening in District X, including the Ace of Spades tent, The Outpost, and the Arcade Bar. There are some changes and some new spots, too!

- We review the stacked District X entertainment lineup, which features sets from Five, Electric Six, a DJ set from Creeper, Dick and Dom in the Doghouse, Token Grass, and Bongo's Bingo. 

- Are podcasts a good form of stage entertainment at music festivals? Would you rather see music or podcasts on stage at Download?

- The Takeover Stage: A quick recap of the six unsigned bands kicking things off on Wednesday: 40,000 Leagues, Celavi, Pryma, DeadWax, Rxptrs, and Black Water County. 

- Our Top Band Picks: To wrap things up, we share our ultimate recommendations for the weekend. Hear why we are hyped to see Social Distortion, Scooter, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Bad Omens, Caskets, A Day to Remember, and more! 

with our sponsor, Fat Frank's Camping Shop https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://festpod.shop

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Festival.

This episode reveals the final six bands. Trish and John, two members of the deciding panel, join us to discuss them and give us their 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 podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://festpod.shop

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 (aka the Bloodstockers), we watch a ridiculous dinosaur fancy dress mosh pit, and sit down with rising band Waterlines as they achieve their dream of playing the Sophie Lancaster Stage.

Plus, we get real reactions to the Bloodstock 2026 lineup announcement and chat with Vicky Hungerford for insight into what makes this festival tick.

If you love heavy metal, festivals, and behind-the-scenes access, you’re in the right place.

Featuring:

• Bloodstock Open Air Festival  @Bloodstockfestivals 

• Waterlines  @wearewaterlines 

• Sophie Lancaster Stage

• Metal fans from across the UK

⸻

Subscribe to Festpod for more festival coverage, band interviews, and behind-the-scenes content from the UK rock & metal scene.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop @fatfrankscamping1991

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

⸻

Follow Festpod:

- Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/festpod

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@festpod

- Discord: https://discord.gg/tk82kzFYz3

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/festpod

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fest.pod

- Threads: https://www.threads.com/@fest.pod

- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/festpod.bsky.social

- EH!: https://ehnw.ca/u/festpod

- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/festpod

Listen to Festpod:

- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/festpod/id1527011266

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7uWSj37GU4OdyTmThqdmwc

Buy Festpod Merch:

- https://festpod.shop

Festpod Website:

- https://festpod.co.uk

⸻

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 billing! 

We’re also breaking down the latest Bloodstock Open Air news from their recent Q&A, including the end of the funfair (RIP 🎡) and some massive site upgrades to the Sophie Lancaster and EMP stages. Plus, we’ve got Gig Picks, "Nine Inch Kills" (oops!), and a look at the Sanctum Modern Metal Festival line-up. 

In this episode:

• Download 2026: Are the headliners fresh enough? 

• Keanu Reeves at Download: Can Dogstar actually play? 

• Festival Accessibility: A look inside the Diverse Sensory Calm Space. 

• Bloodstock Upgrades: Why we're getting "extra length" on the EMP stage. 

• Gig Picks: The Hara, Deadbolt Festival, and Survivalist. 

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

👕 Festpod Merch & Patreon: https://festpod.co.uk

📱 Follow us on Socials: Search "Festpod" on the decent platforms.

📧 Bands/PR: Send your tracks to [email protected]

Sponsor: Huge thanks to Fat Frank’s Camping Shop for sponsoring the show. Get your festival essentials at https://fatfrankscampingshop.com 

#DownloadFestival #BloodstockFestival #LinkinPark #LimpBizkit #RockFestival #Metalhead #FestPod #KeanuReeves #Dogstar #UKMetal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  @fatfrankscamping1991 

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:31 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:10 - Title sequence

01:31 - Welcome

03:04 - All Ears Avow

09:04 - Collapse The Sky

17:21 - Change Persona

-- Ad Break --

25:37 - Greysight break bumper

25:47 - Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

--- Part 2 --

26:31 - Welcome back

26:50 - Dacara

37:06 - Two Year Break

47:01 - Exist Immortal

55:33 - Heather Gibb (Hevs) - Organiser

-- Outro --

1:03:11 - Wrap-up

1:04:09 - Goodbye

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Video playlist:    • Festpod - The Unofficial Rock Festival Guide  

Please support us on Patreon!   / festpod  

https://festpod.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 is! And we're talking LUXURY. Amazing food, beautiful views of Greece and incredible metal acts make a festival far beyond the ones we're used to in the fields and parks of the UK.

Join us aboard the Celestyal Discovery as we talk about our first impressions of cruise life and the Mediterranea Metal Cruise festival so far.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:16 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

0:57 - Title sequence

01:18 - Welcome

01:59 - First Impressions

04:05 - The cabin

05:46 - Food onboard

06:21 - Fun on The Pool Deck

07:25 - Kuşadası excursion

09:21 - Turkish Carpets

12:37 - The bands

14:26 - The atmosphere

15:53 - Mykonos walking tour

17:10 - Stray dogs and cats

18:08 - Still to come

18:50 - Santorini drinking contest

20:19 - Everyone together

-- Outro --

21:37 - Thank you

22:13 - Goodbye

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 year's event.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:28 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:09 - Title sequence

01:35 - Welcome

-- Festival News --

03:53 - Download lineup tease

07:18 - Download Collector's Coin

09:33 - Download 2026 teaser video

11:05 - 5ive to headline

13:55 - Should Live Nation be broken up?

39:58 - Bloodstock adds 27 bands to lineup

45:46 - Bloodstock '26 site additions

49:08 - Camping at Bloodstock

56:12 - Slaughter To Prevail controversy is their own fault

1:10:24 - Sheffield Independent Venues Alliance

1:13:46 - Takedown Festival lineup

1:19:59 - Birmingham to change airport name to Ozzy?

1:22:50 - Heavy Music Awards winners

-- Ad Break --

1:26:58 -  @godethband  break bumper

1:27:14 -  @fatfrankscamping1991  Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

--- Part 2 --

1:28:05 - Reading Rising Interview

-- Gig Guide --

1:43:56 - Bloodstock Winter Gathering

1:45:00 - Reading Rising

1:46:05 - Mediterranea Metal Cruise

-- Festpod Favourites --

1:52:43 - https://metalforgood.org

1:54:37 - https://www.bowlingforsoup.com

1:57:12 - Pop-up stool https://www.fatfrankscampingshop.com/product/summit-pop-up-stool-with-carry-handle/

-- Outro --

1:59:57 - Host plugs

2:04:49 - Goodbye

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to expect onboard.

with our sponsor:

Fat Frank's Camping Shop

https://fatfrankscampingshop.com

Find all our video podcast episodes in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlfyhNTZm6HBHjHm4kSORo_HykWXf0KGu&si=_5FbNi1-Rfe0sU1t

Please support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/festpod

If you'd like to buy our merch, visit our merch store here: https://etsy.com/uk/shop/Festpod

All our links here: https://festpod.co.uk

Timestamps ⏱:

0:00 - Pre Titles

0:27 - Fat Frank's Camping Shop - 1st sponsor spot

01:08 - Title sequence

01:35 - Welcome

-- Festival News --

03:03 - Download Festival new branding - DLXXIII

04:04 - Download's new merch

08:24 - Download lineup expectations

12:52 - Bloodstock's lineup and 4th headliner?

18:56 - Mediterranea Metal Cruise

-- Ad Break --

27:00 - All Ears Avowbreak bumper

27:10 - Frank's Camping Shop - 2nd sponsor spot

-- Festpod's Download Stage Show --

28:02 - Explanation

30:07 - Steph starts the theme tune

35:29 - Q&A

52:53 - RIP vs General Camping

1:06:00 - Festival Hacks

1:28:09 - Time to end

1:28:57 - Our analysis

1:33:22 - Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.