First Download bands announced

Masked metal titans Slipknot, dance-rock crossover kings The Prodigy and US sleaze maestros Mötley Crüe are among the first bands to be confirmed for this year's Download Festival.

The seventh Download Festival will take place at Donington Park from June 12-14, with tickets going on sale this Friday, February 13.

Headlining one of the days will be Slipknot, who will bring their legendary masked nine-strong circus to Download for the third time.

The Prodigy, off the back of their critically acclaimed new album Invaders Must Die, will be making their second Download appearance.

Other acts confirmed to play over the weekend are LA wildcats Mötley Crüe, nu-metal stalwarts Korn, young power metallers Dragonforce plus Devildriver and Pendulum.

Although there have been rumours all over the internet of bands including Heaven & Hell and even AC/DC set to appear, these have not been confirmed.

But festival organisers have confirmed some changes to the site layout suggested by fans at previous Download festivals.

Following one of the regular Fan Forums, in which Download fans get to speak directly to organisers with suggestions and improvements, the campsites will be closer to the main arena.

The design of this year's site will enable a more integrated festival experience with one main expanded arena incorporating all three stages.

Festival Director John Probyn said: "We have gone to great lengths to communicate with our core fan base and listen to what they want at Download in relation to facilities, activities and the bands."

Tickets for the Download Festival 2009 go on sale at 9am on Friday, February 13 at www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

A range of special "RIP" packages will once again be available for those seeking a truly unique festival experience - visit www.livenation.co.uk for more information.

Ticket Information:

• Weekend Tickets - £135

• Car Park – £10 advance or £20 on day

• Camping – £25

• Campervans - £40

• Lockers – £11