What is Bloodstock?
Bloodstock Open Air is an independent heavy metal festival held each August at Catton Park, near Walton-on-Trent in south Derbyshire. The line-up covers most styles of metal, from classic heavy metal and thrash to death metal, metalcore and newer bands. It is smaller than Download and has a loyal crowd, many of whom return every year.
Bloodstock started in 2001 as an indoor event at the Derby Assembly Rooms. The outdoor festival at Catton Park began in 2005, and 2026 marked 25 years of the Bloodstock name. The main stage is named the Ronnie James Dio Stage, after the late singer. The second stage is the Sophie Lancaster Stage, and there is also a stage for new and unsigned bands.
When is Bloodstock 2027?
Bloodstock 2027 runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 August 2027. The official website lists these dates. Some ticket listings show an earlier start, which relates to arrival and camping options, so check what your ticket covers.
Where is it and how do you get there?
Catton Park is in the countryside between Burton upon Trent, Lichfield and Tamworth.
- Train: the nearest stations are Burton upon Trent, Lichfield and Tamworth. Festival shuttle buses have run from one or more of these stations in past years, but the route has changed over time.
- Taxi: a taxi from a nearby station is an option if no shuttle is running. Book ahead, as demand is high on arrival and departure days.
- Coach: Big Green Coach has been the festival’s coach partner in past years.
- Car: if you plan to drive, check the official site for parking passes and directions. Car sharing with friends cuts the cost.
Travel details for 2027 had not been published at the time of writing. Check the official Bloodstock travel information before you book trains.
Tickets and prices
Early bird weekend tickets for 2027 were sold at the 2026 festival for £210 with no booking fee. Metal Talk reported that once those sold out, the standard weekend ticket price would rise to £235 plus booking fee. General sale opened at 9am on Monday 10 August 2026, and VIP and campervan tickets followed on 12 August. Tickets are sold through See Tickets, the festival’s official seller.
Weekend tickets include camping. Under-16s must be with a parent or guardian aged 18 or over at all times, according to the festival’s ticket terms. If you look under 25, you may be asked for ID at the bars.
Camping and where to stay
Most people camp for the full weekend, and the campsite is a big part of the Bloodstock experience. VIP and campervan options are sold separately. Burton upon Trent and Lichfield have hotels if you would rather not camp, but you will need transport to and from the site each day.
Line-up
The 2027 headliners have been announced. The official site lists them at the top of the Ronnie James Dio Stage bill as:
- Friday: Mercyful Fate
- Saturday: Electric Callboy
- Sunday: Motionless In White
More bands are due to be added. For comparison, the 2026 main stage headliners were Lamb of God, Slaughter To Prevail and Judas Priest, with Saxon playing the festival’s first Thursday main stage headline set.
Tips for students
- Buy early. The early bird price has already gone, and prices can rise again as tiers sell out.
- Remember the booking fee when budgeting. The standard ticket is £235 before fees.
- Bring photo ID. Bars may ask for proof of age if you look under 25.
- Check the travel page before booking trains. Shuttle routes have changed between years.
- Explore the smaller stages. Bloodstock gives space to newer and unsigned bands, which is where many people find new favourites.
- Early August falls well after exams, so it fits easily into the summer break.
FAQs
Who is headlining Bloodstock 2027?
Mercyful Fate, Electric Callboy and Motionless In White.
How much are Bloodstock 2027 tickets?
Standard weekend tickets are £235 plus booking fee, according to Metal Talk. Early bird tickets at £210 were sold at the 2026 festival.
When is Bloodstock 2027?
Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 August 2027, at Catton Park in Derbyshire.
Is camping included?
Yes. Weekend tickets include camping. Campervan and VIP options cost extra.
For tickets, travel and the full line-up, visit the official website. To compare other UK events, see our festival guide.