Metal, Mayhem and Midland Madness: My Weekend at Download 2026
Download Festival returned with a BANG: bigger crowds, bigger production and a site that has levelled up again! Across the weekend the crowds felt fuller than ever, buzzing with that unmistakable Donington energy. With the festival always delivering the perfect blend of nostalgic icons and the new-blood of the rising metal stars, it’s the ultimate cross-generational weekend - a reminder of why Castle Donington is the spiritual home of heavy music.
Dermot Kennedy at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena
On 1st June, Dermot Kennedy brought his The Weight of the Woods tour to Cardiff’s Utilita Arena. The last time I attended a concert at this venue was when I saw J. Cole perform there in 2017, so it was refreshing to return and experience another live show in the arena.
Ray LaMontagne at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall
Some gigs are just a night of music. Others mean a little more. Ray LaMontagne's return to Scotland was one of those shows for me. Having grown up hearing my Dad play his songs for many years, Ray was always one of those artists I felt like I knew long before I'd ever seen him live. He's my Dad's favourite artist, so getting the chance to photograph him at the Usher Hall was a genuine bucket-list moment.
Thundercat in Edinburgh
Thundercat played Usher Hall on April 1st, ahead of the release of his new album “Distracted”. This was my third time seeing Thundercat and it never gets boring, always keeping his setlist and stage design different.
Thrice at Birmingham’s O2 Institute
American three piece Thrice took to the o2 Institute's nearly sold out second room during their headline tour on the back of their 2025 release Horizons/West. Whilst they performed songs from their newest album such as Albatross, Gnash and The Dark Glow, it’s clear that the people in the room were here for Thrice’s older hits. They quickly demonstrate how they’ve managed to make their careers last 25 years as they’re pretty good at this classic rock business.
Drugdealer At Saint Luke’s - Glasgow
Drugdealer headlined his first ever Scottish show at Saint Luke’s. I was really looking forward to the gig as a fan of his music. The night started shakily, with a couple of early mess-ups and even a song that had to be restarted, which immediately knocked the momentum.
MGK at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena
This was my fourth time seeing him live, and it’s been incredibly inspiring watching his transformation from 2017 until now. The first time I saw him was at O2 Academy Bristol, and then again at SWX Bristol, both smaller-capacity venues. Seeing that progression—from those intimate shows to selling out arenas—has been remarkable to witness with my own eyes.
Bad Suns Keep the Spark Alive at Electric Ballroom
The alternative rock band Bad Suns made their way to London to play a room filled with passionate fans at Electric Ballroom in Camden. The band is touring in support of their latest studio album “Accelerator”. After been touring for over a decade at this point, the experience shines through during their whole set.
The Vaccines at Usher Hall
The Vaccines brought a packed Usher Hall to life as part of the 15th anniversary tour for their debut album What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?. They played the record in full to start the night, which meant the crowd got hit with one early favourite after another. Hearing those songs back to back after all these years felt special, with all of the room singing along.
Jason Derulo’s The Last Dance Tour
I managed to catch global superstar Jason Derulo on his The Last Dance world tour at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. Many fans have speculated that the tour’s name may hint at Derulo slowing down his touring schedule—or perhaps be on his final tour. Only time will tell.