The heshers and hesherettes are already in line at Bloodstock Open Air for the start of this years’ festival. Get set for the fest with the top bands to watch with our preview.

Thursday:

For the kickoff day, you must simply see Arkona. One of the best bands right now. Also playing today are Bloodshot Dawn, Fire Red Empress, Skilltron and Hundred Year Old Man. You should miss none of these bands.

Friday:

Friday is all about Judas Priest. They are crushing it right now on tour and Firepower is still on track for Album of the Year honors. Other can’t miss acts on Friday includes the UK exclusive appearance of Emperor, Doro, Suicidal Tendencies, Kamelot, Bloodbath, Feed The Rhino, Bleed From Within, Ingested, De Profundis and more.

Saturday:

Gojira headlines Saturday and if you’ve been missing out up to now, their live shows are legendary. Other bands we advise not missing include Cannibal Corpse, Alestorm, Combichrist, Septicflesh, Powertrip, Orden Ogan, Orphaned Land, Exhorder, With The Dead, Vola, Dead Label, Limb, LukeAppleton solo and more.

Sunday:

Nightwish will bring it all home on Sunday night. Right near the top in terms of talent, all weekend long are At The Gates, Watain, Pallbearer, Devildriver, Mr. Big, Jasta, Fozzy, Amaranthe, Mantar, Act of Defiance, Alein Weaponry, Uncured, Drudgem Gemma Fox, Dawn of Anubis and the amazingly named Def Goldblum.

BOA announced new entertainment that will take place over at the Sophie Lancaster stage after the bands finish. For those of you less keen on sleep, the tent will transition into ‘The Lock In’, a fully immersive club night presented by Old Blue Last Beer and hosted by comedian Andrew O’Neill. Each night will feature a different DJ, celebrating a decade of metal! Thursday sees DJ Krusher unearthing tracks from the ‘70s, Friday rocks out to the ‘80s with dark lord Alexander Milas, on Saturday metal encyclopedia Dom Lawson brings you the best of the ‘90s, and Metal Hammer editor Merlin Alderslade rounds out Sunday’s fun with top tunes from the ‘00s. Not only that, you can expect movies, world record attempts, games, prizes, a giant can sculpture(!) and even more.

Bloodstock will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 9th-12th August 2018. Get additional information the last few tickets at www.bloodstock.uk.com