20th anniversary line-up for Slam Dunk Festival finalized
Slam Dunk Festival, the United Kingdom’s premier independent rock festival, has unveiled its final artist lineup for its highly anticipated 20th-anniversary celebration in 2026. The latest announcement includes heavyweight acts such as Knocked Loose, who will share the stage with previously confirmed headliners Good Charlotte and Sublime. The festival is scheduled to take place at Hatfield Park (South) on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and Leeds Temple Newsam (North) on Sunday, May 24, 2026, coinciding with the Bank Holiday weekend.
To mark the momentous occasion of two decades of Slam Dunk Festival, organizers have introduced two brand-new main stages dedicated exclusively to metalcore, hardcore, and post-hardcore genres. This innovative setup aims to offer festival-goers an uninterrupted flow of heavy music performances without overlaps in the schedule. The newly established stages will showcase a lineup of explosive bands like Knocked Loose, Malevolence, Bury Tomorrow, Cancer Bats, and President, ensuring an electrifying experience for attendees.
Knocked Loose, hailing from Kentucky, are recognized for their relentless energy and wild stage presence, making them one of the most talked-about bands in the heavy music scene. Their addition to the roster further enriches the festival’s lineup, highlighting its profound impact on the UK’s alternative music landscape since its inception in 2006.
The final artist announcement introduces over 20 additional bands set to captivate audiences at Hatfield and Leeds. Notable acts making a return include pop-punk favorites A Loss For Words, emo veterans Bayside, and post-hardcore icons Saosin. Deaf Havana, a familiar face at the festival, will commemorate the 15th anniversary of their album ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’, while State Champs are geared up to deliver their energetic anthems to the audience. The newly confirmed roster includes an eclectic mix of artists spanning various genres, from hardcore heroes Comeback Kid and metalcore powerhouse Currents to groove metal titans Malevolence and rising stars like Heriot and Guilt Trip.
Other artists joining the lineup feature Baltimore’s Angel Du$t, UK alt-rock up-and-comers Beauty School, festival debutants Call Me Amour, and Japanese genre-blenders SiM. The bill also boasts Australian post-hardcore outfit Hands Like Houses, US rockers Madina Lake, emo-pop darlings Origami Angel, Scottish alt-rockers Vukovi, and many more, promising an immersive blend of pop-punk, emo, ska, and metal genres for festival attendees.
Slam Dunk Festival traces its roots back to a small Leeds club night in 2001 and has since evolved into a renowned annual event. Over the past two decades, the festival has hosted iconic acts such as Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, and Enter Shikari. With tickets selling rapidly, the 20th-anniversary edition promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts and loyal fans alike.