Bloodstock Teams Up With Stowford Press For Metal 2 The Masses
BLOODSTOCK is raising a glass to a brand new partnership for 2026, as Westons Stowford Press comes on board as the official sponsor of the mighty Metal 2 The Masses scheme and the New Blood Stage.
Stowford Press is crafted by Herefordshire cider makers and longtime BLOODSTOCK supporters Westons Cider - an independent, family-owned business with over 145 years of expertise under its belt. Using only locally sourced cider apples all from within 50 miles of their mill and allowing the juice to mature slowly to develop its full character, it’s a process rooted in heritage, patience, and craft. It’s a philosophy BLOODSTOCK understands well.
No other festival does more to support grassroots metal and local venues across the UK and beyond. That commitment was recognised at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards, where BLOODSTOCK and the Metal 2 The Masses initiative were honoured with the prestigious “H Award” for exceptional contribution to the underground scene.
For the uninitiated, Metal 2 The Masses is BLOODSTOCK’s nationwide (and increasingly international) battle-to-the-stage. Unsigned and self-released bands enter their local heats, fight it out through a series of live rounds, and one champion from each region will earn a coveted slot on the festival’s Stowford Press New Blood Stage this August.
Simon Hall, BLOODSTOCK’s M2TM organiser, comments, “The talent we see every year is phenomenal, and it’s an honour to provide a platform for these bands to showcase their hard work and passion. This is what metal is all about - community and supporting each other.”
“We’re absolutely delighted to be further strengthening our partnership with BLOODSTOCK and to support a festival that is truly committed to nurturing the future of heavy music. Opportunities like Metal 2 The Masses and the New Blood Stage are essential in giving rising bands the exposure they deserve, and we’re proud that Westons Stowford Press can help champion the next wave of talent,” states Sally McKinnon, Head of Marketing and Strategy, Westons Stowford Press.
Heats for 2026 are already underway in one of the most hotly-contested years yet. The confirmed regions taking part this year are:
SHEFFIELD | THE CHANNEL ISLANDS | NORTHANTS | HITCHIN | SOUTH COAST | BELFAST | LEEDS | SCOTLAND | EAST ANGLIA | MANCHESTER | NEWCASTLE | BIRMINGHAM | NORTH WALES | BRIGHTON | SOUTH WALES | KENT | SOMERSET | NOTTINGHAM | CHELTENHAM | LONDON | BURNLEY | DEVON & CORNWALL | COVENTRY | NUNEATON | OXFORD | STOKE | BRISTOL | MERSEYSIDE |
BLOODSTOCK is delighted that CYPRUS and NORWAY are also taking part!
Victors will begin to be announced from late Spring 2026 onwards.
If you missed the news, standard weekend tickets for 2026 are now SOLD OUT. However, all hope is not lost, because if you sign up to official resale partner Tixel, you might still be able to snap up your preferred ticket type. Simply set an alert for notification if your tickets of choice become available, or pre-authorise your card in advance, so no need for constant checking back. Tixel also allows you to safely re-sell tickets to a new home if plans have changed. You can sell ALL ticket types, including installment plan purchases. Click through to https://tixel.com/uk/bloodstock-tickets for more information on how it works.
Stay tuned for more info to come soon on day tickets and last year’s new Kyrr campsite.
If you’ve already snapped up your tickets, Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. For early access or to pre-book parking, go to the official ticket store.
BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT. You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX.
With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!
For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.
BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th - 9th August, 2026.
