Slam Dunk Festival returns this year for its 20th anniversary, and they’re not holding back with a stacked lineup of over 50 bands and artists across six stages. To celebrate two decades as a staple in the alternative music scene, the festival announced the addition of two side-by-side heavy stages to compete with the usual pop punk-heavy lineup, inviting those with heavier tastes to join in the fun.
With so many names to choose from, we’ve given you a flavour of our favourite acts at this year’s festival to help you choose which crowds to surf and which pits to mosh.
Main Stage West
Zebrahead, 14:40–15:20
Punk rock and rap combines with 90s California five-piece Zebrahead. As veterans in the pop-punk scene, their high energy sets are just what you need for that mid-afternoon pick me up. Think The Offspring combined with Beastie Boys.
Good Charlotte, 21:00–22:20
Headliners Good Charlotte are a huge addition to the lineup, as the 2000s pop-punk legends have been fairly inactive touring the UK and Europe over the last decade, with their last UK festival slot being Reading and Leeds in 2016. If you want to tick hearing ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous‘ off your bucket list, get yourself down to Main Stage West, or fear waiting another ten years.
Main Stage East (Left)
President, 18:15–18:55
Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably heard about the ‘anonymous’ UK band President, who burst on to the scene last year with a Charlie Simpson-esque scream vocal and melodic hardcore sound. The band were totally unknown before being announced at Download Festival, and since then the reception has been, shall we say, unprecedented, selling out shows across the UK in minutes. To date, only six singles have been released, so the allure of unreleased music awaits you at Main Stage East Left, not to be confused with Main Stage West.
Main Stage East (Right)
Static Dress, 14:50–15:25
Leeds-based metalcore band Static Dress have been slowly rising to power over the last few years, since the release of their debut album in 2022 and recent signing to Sumerian Records, where they’ve boasted collabs with the likes of Underoath, Nothing, Nowhere and Loathe. If you like theatrical, emotionally charged and slightly mysterious metalcore, you know where to go.
Currents, 17:30–18:10
American metalcore band Currents bring a unique sound to the genre, characterised by complex and melodic guitar hooks that compliment frontman Brian Wille’s emotionally charged screams. The five-piece have a commanding live presence with lyrics that echo themes of turmoil and resilience, if you like an aggressive yet cathartic mosh.
Knocked Loose, 21:05–22:05
Knocked Loose have exploded in popularity over the last few years, collaborating with artists like Poppy and recently Denzel Curry. Frontman Bryan Garris is a powerhouse in the hardcore scene, notably for his ‘arf arf’ in lead track ‘Counting Worms‘. If you like unbridled screaming, chaotic drums and heavy breakdowns, you can count (worms) on a good time over at Main Stage East Right.
Monster Stage
Stand Atlantic, 14:45–15:10
Australian four-piece Stand Atlantic bring good old pop-punk lead by powerhouse vocalist Bonnie Fraser. Since the release of their debut album in 2018 the band have brought catchy pop punk and guitar-driven alternative pop to the scene with strong songwriting, melodic elements and a great live presence.
Scott’s Key Club Stage
Dead Pony, 12:15–12:45
Glaswegian band Dead Pony show incredible potential since the release of their debut album in 2024, fronted by vocalist Anna Shields. The metal band gained popularity following their incredible cover of Nelly Furtado’s ‘Maneater‘, breathing nu metal life into the track in a way you didn’t know you needed. They bring a sultry, electronic sound that combines nu metal and pop punk elements.
SiM, 12:50–13:20
Japanese alternative metal band SiM bring a unique combination of hardcore punk, reggae and metal, and if that doesn’t intrigue you we don’t know what will. Their live performances show a healthy mix of aggression and rhythm which you can bring to the mosh pits. We’ll see you there.
Punk Rock Factory, 17:15–17:50
If you want to hear pop-punk covers of your favourite Disney, film and TV show tunes, look no further than Welsh rockers Punk Rock Factory. The band unsurprisingly blew up online after covers including ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno‘ and ‘Let It Go‘. Their live shows promise hits of millennial nostalgia, audience participation and singalongs.
Slam Dunk Festival takes place on Saturday 23rd May in Hatfield Park, Hatfield and Sunday 24th May in Temple Newsam, Leeds.
