Slam Dunk Festival, the UK’s biggest independent rock event, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a massive first line-up reveal. The festival, known for showcasing the best in pop-punk, emo, ska, and metal, will return for another bank holiday weekend.
Slam Dunk will take place at Hatfield Park on Saturday, May 23, and at Leeds, Temple Newsam on Sunday, May 24. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, September 27, at 10 am via the official Slam Dunk Festival website.
Topping the bill are two huge acts. Good Charlotte will perform their only European show, returning to the UK for the first time since 2019 and marking their first Slam Dunk appearance since 2018. The multi-platinum rock icons will deliver a career-spanning set filled with fan favourites like “The Anthem” and “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous”, as well as tracks from their latest album, Motel Du Cap.
In a landmark moment for the festival, Sublime will make their first-ever UK appearance. The iconic Californian band, known for their fusion of ska, punk, and reggae, will be fronted by Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell. Following a successful set at Coachella, Sublime will bring hits such as “Santeria” and “What I Got” to the UK for an unmissable performance decades in the making.
Ben Ray, founder of Slam Dunk Festival, reflected on the milestone: “When I started the festival 20 years ago, I had no idea it would get to the milestone of 20 years, let alone be the size that it has grown to. I am overwhelmed by the continued support for the event, both from the dedicated fan base who come every single year, to all the bands that keep coming back to play! A massive thank you to all!”
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The first wave of bands announced for Slam Dunk Festival 2026 includes:
- A
- Allister
- Broadside
- Bury Tomorrow
- Cancer Bats
- Cartel (UK exclusive, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Chroma)
- Dashboard Confessional
- Driveways
- Goldfinger
- Hawthorne Heights
- Motion City Soundtrack
- PRESIDENT
- Set Your Goals
- Stand Atlantic
- Taking Back Sunday (UK exclusive, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Louder Now)
- The Home Team
- The Menzingers
- The Suicide Machines
- Tonight Alive
- unpeople
- Zebrahead
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For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.slamdunkfestival.com.
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