Slam Dunk Festival

Slam Dunk Festival is one of the UK's most celebrated events for pop-punk, emo, metal, and alternative music, taking place annually in both Leeds (May 25th, 2025) and Hatfield (May 24th, 2025). Known for attracting top-tier bands and an ever-growing fan base, it has become a staple in the UK rock festival scene. Unique in its format, Slam Dunk is the only festival of its kind to be held in two separate locations across the same weekend, drawing thousands of music lovers to its north and south sites.

Due to the festival's increasing popularity, both the Leeds and Hatfield locations transitioned to fully outdoor venues, significantly expanding their capacity. This move allowed Slam Dunk to accommodate larger audiences and feature bigger, more renowned bands on its stages, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

The festival originated in Leeds, where it has been a fixture since its debut in 2006. Over the years, Slam Dunk has undergone significant changes, evolving to meet the growing demand from fans. One of the most notable shifts came in 2019, when the Leeds event relocated to the expansive grounds of Temple Newsam, transforming into a fully outdoor festival for the first time. This change mirrored a similar successful transition for the southern site, which made the leap to an outdoor venue in 2018.

Previously hosted at the University of Hertfordshire, the southern leg of the festival moved to the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House, giving it a true festival atmosphere. This new green field location not only enhanced the festival's vibe but also provided convenient access to the nearby train station, making it more accessible for festival-goers.

Today, both the north and south sites of Slam Dunk boast impressive setups, featuring two main stages, large big top tents, and trailer stages. With an overall capacity of 28,000 per location, the festival continues to grow, attracting some of the biggest names in alternative music and drawing fans from across the UK and beyond.

Slam Dunk Festival has established itself as a must-attend event for fans of alternative, punk, and metal music. Its ability to adapt and expand while maintaining the essence of its original ethos has made it a premier event in the UK music calendar. With each year bringing bigger line-ups, enhanced experiences, and new surprises, Slam Dunk continues to set the standard for rock festivals in the UK.
Slam Dunk Festival 2025 has just announced their exciting first line-up—check it out here!