By Hannah Ross
Slam Dunk is arguably the ÜK’s biggest independent rock festival, and it’s back bigger and badder than ever. 2026 is set to be a stellar year for the festival as it heads straight into its 20th year. The first line-up announcement has dropped, and we’re stoked to see Good Charlotte and Sublime take top seats in the bill. Slam Dunk will mark Sublime’s first ÜK performance with their new frontman, as well as it being Good Charlotte’s first ÜK appearance in seven years and their only European festival show next summer.
Other notable first-wave bands include Taking Back Sunday (playing a special 20th anniversary set for ‘Louder Now’), PRESIDENT, Bury Tomorrow, Dashboard Confessional, Goldfinger, The Menzingers, Motion City Soundtrack, Stand Atlantic and Tonight Alive.
Ben Ray, founder of Slam Dunk, has said:
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 and to all the bands that keep coming back to play! A massive thank you to all!
- Slam Dunk festival takes place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, hitting Hatfield Park on Saturday 23 May and Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.