Slam Dunk claims to “bring you the best there is to offer in Pop Punk, Ska, Punk and Hardcore” which is certainly an eclectic mix for a day festival! This annual event is held across three locations over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Whether you’re in the North, Midlands or South, there’s a Slam Dunk for you.
Slam Dunk 2015
This year sees over 50 national and international artists, both big names and up-and-coming acts. With seven stages, both indoor and out across the country, Slam Dunk are certainly aiming for something for everyone.
Each festival site also offers apparel and merchandise from bands and sponsors, alongside the much needed food and drink to pick you up after draining your energy in the pits. Slam Dunk provides DJs throughout the day festivals, exclusive signings with some of the bands, and the much anticipated after parties.
Before we delve into the line-up, let’s see when and where each Slam Dunk date is happening this year.
Slam Dunk North: Leeds City Centre, Saturday 23rd May
Held at Leeds University for the past eight years, Slam Dunk North has now moved out into the Millenium Square, 02 Academy, Leeds Beckett University, and the surrounding areas.
Slam Dunk South: University of Hertfordshire, Sunday 24th May
Taking over the University of Hertfordshire site, Slam Dunk South promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Located at the Hertfordshire Students’ Union in Hatfield, Slam Dunk South is just 22 minutes from Kings Cross Station, with a regular shuttle bus collecting festival goers from Hatfield station and delivering them to the heart of the festival.
Slam Dunk Midlands: Wolverhampton City Centre, Monday 25th May
Taking centre stage in Wolverhampton City Centre, Slam Dunk Midlands will also be taking over the Civic Hall, Wulfrun Hall, Civic Bar and surrounding areas, and it’s easily accessible via car, bus and on foot.
So now you know where you’re going, time to decide which bands are on your must-see list.
Slam Dunk Line up
After making Slam Dunk appearances from 2007-09, You Me At Six are back to headline this year. They released their fourth studio album, Cavalier Youth, in January 2014. Also in the pop-punk scene there are the likes of Cartel and The Wonder Years, plenty to keep the pop-punk fans happy!
Kicking things up a notch, one of the bands who are definitely building the excitement is Architects, who I saw deliver an incredible performance at Slam Dunk South 2012. This British metalcore band recently completed at UK/European tour with Every Time I Die, Blessthefall and Counterparts. Their fifth studio album Lost Forever / Lost Together was released in March 2014, peaking at number 16 in the UK charts. Also on my bill of ones to watch are Gallows, Beartooth, Crossfaith, Emmure and Fort Hope.
Turning to the ska claims of the festival, the two acts which jump out are Reel Big Fish, returning from their 2007 performance, and Survay Says! who are a Slam Dunk first. Another first-timer joining the bill is female-fronted American band PVRIS, who will be making their UK festival debut.
Regular performers We Are The Ocean are also appearing, ahead of their new record Ark, with Taking Back Sunday, Don Broco and The Wonder Years also worthy of a mention.
All in all, Slam Dunk Festival 2015 is pulling a big line up and a wide variety of bands, and with three locations, there’s certainly something to appeal to your tastes. A standard ticket will set you back £39, plus booking fees, or £44 to enjoy the after party.
I know how I hope to be spending my Bank Holiday Weekend!
