Slam Dunk Festival returns to Leeds and Hatfield over the Bank Holiday weekend, featuring a line-up of some of the most exciting names in rock, metal and punk. With so many great acts to choose from the big question is: how do you plan your day? We’re here to help, check out our top picks below!
Secret Special Guest
Right Key Stage
12:45 – 13:15
There has been a lot of speculation over this year’s secret act. The festival have been sending out clues on social media and there has been a LOT of guessing. The act has never played at Slam Dunk Festival before and on their last headline tour they were performing in arenas. Honestly, we have no idea who it could be, but one thing we do know is that you should get down to the Right Key Stage nice and early to find out!
Trophy Eyes
Marshall Stage
14:00 – 14:40
Since the release of The American Dream, the Australian punk rock outfit have been retaining their position as leaders in the genre, writing hard-hitting lyrics and gang vocals to make any crowd stand up and get involved. This year you have two chances to catch John Floreani doing what he does best, as he’ll be performing on the Marshall Stage with Trophy Eyes but also over on the acoustic stage to flaunt his solo project. Don’t say Slam Dunk doesn’t treat you well!
Press To MECO
Left Key Stage
14:15 – 14:45
Earlier this year Press To MECO stripped back a selection of their tracks to release an acoustic EP, but this time around they’ll be bringing their rowdy sound back to Slam Dunk on the Left Key Stage. Previous full-length Here’s To The Fatigue saw the trio take their sound to new heights and even head out on an extensive European tour with Shinedown. Come rain or shine this weekend, Press To MECO will brighten up your day and have you singing along, whether it’s your first or fifteenth time catching them live.
As It Is
Monster Energy Stage
14:25 – 15:05
Slam Dunk veterans As It Is will be taking to the Monster Energy Stage at this year’s event. You can expect a set packed to the rafters with their new, darker material taken from latest release The Great Depression, and hopefully some of their pop-punk classics thrown in for good measure. If you’re yet to witness one of their live shows it’s utter carnage with crowd surfers, singalongs and emotive moments throughout.
Pagan
Left Key Stage
16:15 – 16:45
Australian rockers Pagan have been turning heads left, right and centre following the release of their debut album Black Wash. It’s no surprise, as the quartet bring a compelling high-energy to the stage that will make you want to stop whatever you’re doing and join in the fun. Currently on tour throughout the UK and Europe, Pagan will be suitably warmed up for their appearance on the Left Key Stage. We’re ready to party and we hope you are too!
Employed To Serve
Left Key Stage
17:15 – 17:45
Employed To Serve make their Slam Dunk Festival debut following the recent release of their ferocious album Eternal Forward Motion. Set to be one of the heaviest sets of the weekend, expect plenty of new material, mosh pits and absolute chaos from the quintet, who deliver ambitious and forward thinking hardcore. Yet to see Employed To Serve live? Make sure you change that this weekend on the Left Key Stage.
Story Of The Year
Jagermeister Stage
17:30 – 18:10
A band oozing with nostalgia for many ’00s post-hardcore fans, Story Of The Year are set to bring back memories for many at this year’s Slam Dunk Festival. Performing on the Jagermeister Stage there are going to be guaranteed singalongs during their rare outing to the UK, one that fans won’t forget in a hurry. The wait is almost over and we couldn’t be more excited!
Gallows
Impericon Stage
18:10 – 18:45
Photo Credit: Derek Bremner
Returning to the stage to play some of their first live shows since 2015, Gallows‘ set on the Impericon Stage will no doubt become one of the weekend’s highlights. The punk legends introduced Alexisonfire‘s Wade MacNeil as their new vocalist back in 2012, and with a hefty back catalogue we’re intrigued and excited to see which tracks make it onto their set list. Whether you’re a long term fan or you’re just getting acquainted with Gallows, this is one set you don’t want to miss.
grandson
Left Key Stage
18:15 – 18:45
Canadian-American singer-songwriter grandson may not be a name that you’ve heard before this side of the pond, but this looks set to change. Latest EP A Modern Tragedy Vol. 2 is uncensored, it’s raw, and it’s a perfect example of what music fans are leaning towards, when they’re seeking for a voice to speak out when they are unable to. A fiery musical backing and heavy bass drops allow his sound to evolve in a way that will make you get up and listen. We have a feeling people will be hearing a lot about grandson this weekend, be sure to catch his set to be part of the magic.
iDKHOW
Left Key Stage
19:40 – 20:25
Photo Credit: Lauren Perry
I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (better know as iDKHOW) have been making waves since the release of 1981 Extended Play last year. Their appearance on the Left Key Stage kicks off a run of UK and European dates in support of the EP. Latest track Choke highlight’s the duo’s singalong-friendly sound with infectious guitar lines, which we know will result in an incredible highlight this weekend. If you’re looking for a feel-good set that you won’t be able to forget then iDKHOW are the band for you.
Written by: Nicola Craig and Hannah Gillicker
Slam Dunk Festival takes place across two dates this year, at Hatfield Park and Temple Newsam Park.
Full dates:
May
Sat 25th – LEEDS – Temple Newsam Park
Sun 26th – HATFIELD – Hatfield Park
Tickets are on sale now and available HERE, priced at £59 (subject to booking fees). For more information and the full line-up, head to the Slam Dunk Festival website.
You can also plan your day with the festival’s official clashfinder HERE.
