SLAM DUNK first launched as a one day festival in 2006 which was headlined by then an up and coming little band called Fall Out Boy. Since those somewhat humble beginnings, Slam Dunk has fast risen to become one of the most iconic and anticipated festivals of the year.
Over the interveening years since its inception Slam Dunk has managed to secure some of the biggest acts in punk, rock, ska, emo and metal, including Jimmy Eat World, Paramore, Enter Shikari, The Offspring, Bowling For Soup, Less Than Jake, Neck Deep, All Time Low, Don Broco, Panic! At The Disco, NOFX, You Me At Six and Sum 41 as well as providing the next generation with a platform to be heard and discovered. Such early performances have included from the likes of Hot Milk, The Meffs, Dream State, Millie Manders And The Shutup and As December Falls.
The first wave 2026 Slam Dunk festival line up has been announced and its a promising start with industry stalwarts Good Charlotte being named as headliners which will also be there only European date of the year. The punk vetrans are best known for their tracks such as ‘Girls & Boys’ and ‘Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous’.
Good Charlotte returned in 2025 with their first album in seven years in ‘Motel Du Cap’ and the festival will be the first time that UK fans will have an opportunity to hear the tracks performed live.
Good Charlotte said, “We are excited to come back and play the UK for the first time in 7 years and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Slam Dunk will be a great time. Kicking off this next chapter of GC in the UK this way will be a lot of fun and a great precursor for what is still to come! Some of our fav shows in our career have been in the UK and this will be no exception!”
Other acts confirmed to play in the band Allister, returning to the UK with their high octane brand of pop punk, Cartel, who will also be celebrating their owm twentith anniversary of their breakthrough album ‘Chroma’ and Motion City Soundtrack who will be in the fields following their first new record after a decade long hiatus. Their recently released track ‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’, shows they’ve still got it. Other confirmed acts include Tonight Alive, Broadside, A and The Home Team.
On the heavy weight side there’s hardcore coming at you from the likes of Bury Tomorrow, Cancer Bats, Set Your Goals, Hometeam and PRESIDENT, and die hard emo favourites Dashboard Confessional are also on the bill alongside Hawthorne Heights, Driveway and Taking Back Sunday.
And it doesnt end there as there’s also going to be some ska sounds to really get you in the party mood with sets confirmed from Goldfinger, Sublime, Zebrahead, The Suicide Machines and The Menzingers.
Ben Ray, Founder of Slam Dunk Festival 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, to all the bands that keep coming back to play! A massive thank you to all!”
Slam Dunk Festival will return to Hatfield Park on Saturday 23rd May 2026 and Leeds Temple Newsam on Sunday 24th May 2026.
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