Bloodstock’s Winter Gathering Returns for 2026!
After an unforgettable debut last year, BLOODSTOCK’S WINTER GATHERING storms back this winter, bringing the spirit of the UK’s premier metal festival indoors once again for a full day of festive heaviness. Returning to take over KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton, on Saturday 5th December 2026, this one-day celebration promises towering riffs, intimate chaos, and all the community magic that BLOODSTOCK is known for.
Just a 20-minute walk from Wolverhampton station, with all-day parking nearby for a couple of quid, KK’s Steelmill is easy to get to. Alongside a stacked lineup of crushing bands, there’s a range of food available to help you keep up your energy for 8 hours of solid headbanging, plus a fully stocked bar serving drinks throughout the event, with cash, card, and contactless all accepted. And because December is definitely coat weather, there’s a cloakroom available too – drop off your big coat and warm up in the pit!
Doors will open at 2pm, with bands performing from 3pm – 11pm, ensuring wall-to-wall metal across two stages from start to finish.
Headlining the main stage are Greek metal legends ROTTING CHRIST, whose ritualistic blend of black metal, gothic atmosphere, and commanding live presence has earned them acclaim across more than three decades. Joining them are Ukrainian blackened death metal outfit 1914, whose harrowing, World War I-themed sound delivers both sonic brutality and emotional weight. Leeds crossover thrashers PEST CONTROL bring razor-sharp riffs and ferocious energy, while vivacious slam extremists PARTY CANNON guarantee chaos, colour, and full-bore pit action. Self-proclaimed neoclassical fantasy pirates RED RUM offer up swashbuckling riffs and theatrical flair, but perhaps impeccable, classic doom purveyors WITCHSORROW will be more your thing? Kicking proceedings off in style, punk-infused eclectic progsters SQUARE WILD will open the stage.
The second stage is headlined by UK thrash powerhouse SHRAPNEL, delivering precision aggression and modern bite. They are joined by doom/death heavyweights THE CRAWLING, epic metal storytellers MOON REAPER, and Staffs-based punk bruisers HEAD DENT. Also appearing on the second stage is a live Bloodstock Festival Management Q&A, giving fans a rare chance to hear directly from the team behind the festival and ask their burning questions.
Beyond the music, WINTER GATHERING once again delivers the extras that made last year so special, including S’tanta’s Grotto, band signing sessions, giveaways, and the now-infamous snow machine making its frosty return.
BLOODSTOCK and WINTER GATHERING co-director Vicky Hungerford comments:
Last year’s Winter Gathering was honestly such a blast — it reminded us exactly why Bloodstock began as an indoor event in the first place. The atmosphere was so intimate and felt just like those early days. We’ve got loads of fun things planned for 2026 and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible. It’s basically our Bloodstock Christmas party!
Tickets are on sale immediately, priced at £55 (+ booking fees) – grab them now here.
For all the latest info, keep your eyes peeled on the official event website here.
