Slam Dunk Festival
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Slam Dunk Festival 2026 – 20th Anniversary Edition
Dates and Locations
The 2026 Slam Dunk Festival will take place over the late-May Bank Holiday weekend. The South show runs on Saturday 23rd May 2026 at Hatfield Park (Hatfield), and the North show on Sunday 24th May 2026 at Temple Newsam (Leeds). These are the traditional venues for Slam Dunk’s South and North events, respectively, each featuring the full festival line-up on both days.
Tickets and Packages
Tickets are sold only through official partners See Tickets and Universe. Early Bird tickets went on sale in September 2025 at £120. After Early Bird tiers sell out, General Admission one-day tickets are priced around £129, rising to £139 at Final Release. Weekend tickets covering entry to both South and North are available at a discounted rate, though they do not include travel between venues. A VIP add-on (requiring a valid entry ticket) will be available later, giving access to a dedicated VIP Area with its own bar, DJs, upgraded toilets and other perks. Payment plans are available for both tickets and coach packages. Tickets should only be purchased via official sources, and resale is managed through the authorised partner Tixel.
Stages and Site Layout
At each venue—Hatfield Park and Temple Newsam—the festival is spread over open parkland with multiple stages. The site is generally divided into a Festival Village area (opening at 9am) with food traders, bars and merchandise stalls, and the main arena area (opening 11am) where the stages are set up. A large Main Stage hosts the headliners, alongside several smaller tented stages for punk, metalcore and alternative acts. The crowd stands on grass in front of the stages, and raised viewing platforms are provided for accessibility. Both Hatfield and Leeds follow a similar layout: village amenities leading into multiple outdoor stages across the park.
On-site Amenities
The Festival Village at Slam Dunk provides a wide range of food and drink options and seating for festivalgoers. Multiple catering traders and bars are located throughout the site, and official Slam Dunk merchandise stands sell festival and band items. The event is all-ages (under-5s go free) and includes comprehensive accessibility features. There are raised viewing platforms at every stage, accessible toilets including Changing Places units, lowered bar counters and priority queue lanes for those with access needs. A staffed Access Hub and team are available on site, and attendees can apply in advance for free companion tickets and dedicated parking.
Afterparties and Additional Experiences
Slam Dunk organises official after-show events on both days. On Saturday 23rd May (Hatfield), an on-site afterparty will take place at The Forum in Hertfordshire from 10pm–3am. In addition, the “Camden Takeover” runs the same night across London venues including the Electric Ballroom, Black Heart and Underworld, with a shuttle bus service running from Hatfield to Camden. On Sunday 24th May (Leeds), the Merrion Street Takeover takes over city-centre venues such as the Key Club, Santiago and Belgrave Music Hall from 11pm–3am. These late-night events are strictly 18+. The festival will also feature panel talks, signings and fan activities in the Festival Village area, with details to be announced.
20th Anniversary Highlights
This edition marks Slam Dunk’s 20th anniversary, celebrated across the entire weekend. Good Charlotte’s headline slot is promoted as a special 20th-birthday show (their only UK date of the year), and Sublime will make UK history with their first-ever UK gig at Slam Dunk. Taking Back Sunday are also billed in honour of 20 years since Louder Now. These milestone bookings underscore that Slam Dunk 2026 is intended as the festival’s biggest and most memorable edition yet, paying tribute to two decades of pop-punk, emo and alternative music culture.
Slam Dunk Festival 2026 Lineup
Headliners
Good Charlotte – Returning to the UK for the first time in seven years with a European exclusive performance.
Sublime – Making their historic UK debut, continuing the legacy of Bradley Nowell with his son Jakob.
Main Stage Highlights
Taking Back Sunday – Celebrating 20 years of their iconic album 'Louder Now'.
Dashboard Confessional – Bringing heartfelt emo anthems to the Slam Dunk stage.
Motion City Soundtrack – Known for their energetic live shows and synth-infused punk.
Pop Punk and Rock Acts
Allister – Chicago punk-pop veterans returning after a long UK absence.
Broadside – Blending nostalgic rock energy with modern flair.
Stand Atlantic – Australian pop-punk rising stars.
Tonight Alive – Returning with their powerful alt-rock sound.
The Home Team – High-energy performances and catchy hooks.
Zebrahead – Party-punk legends with a loyal fanbase.
Metal and Hardcore
Bury Tomorrow – UK metalcore heavyweights with a melodic edge.
Cancer Bats – Canadian hardcore punk infused with sludge metal.
The Suicide Machines – Ska-punk veterans with a politically charged edge.
Other Notable Acts
PRESIDENT – Mysterious newcomers rumored to feature Busted’s Charlie Simpson.
Set Your Goals – Melodic hardcore favorites.
The Menzingers – Gritty punk rock storytelling.
Driveways – Emerging pop-punk talent.
Hawthorne Heights – Emo pioneers with enduring appeal.
Unpeople – Rising stars in the alternative scene.
Cartel – Known for their polished pop-punk sound.
Goldfinger – Ska-punk legends with infectious energy.
Hatfield Park – Slam Dunk South
Location
Hatfield Park is located in Hertfordshire, just 20 minutes by train from London King's Cross. The venue offers a scenic, spacious setting ideal for large-scale outdoor events.
Transport
Hatfield train station is a short walk from the park, with frequent services from London and surrounding areas. On-site parking is available with advance booking.
Facilities
The park includes grassy areas, tree-lined paths, and designated zones for stages, food vendors, and merchandise. Accessibility features include lowered bars, accessible toilets, and priority viewing areas.
Temple Newsam – Slam Dunk North
Location
Temple Newsam is a historic estate in Leeds, West Yorkshire, known for its rolling parkland and stately home. The grounds provide a dramatic backdrop for the northern leg of the festival.
Transport
Leeds train station connects to Temple Newsam via local buses and taxis. Shuttle services may be available on festival days. Parking must be booked in advance.
Facilities
The venue features wide open fields, wooded areas, and structured zones for stages and amenities. Accessibility support includes facilities wristbands, companion tickets, and designated drop-off points.
Slam Dunk Festival 2026 Travel Information
Festival Dates and Locations
Slam Dunk South: Saturday, 23rd May 2026 at Hatfield Park, Hatfield
Slam Dunk North: Sunday, 24th May 2026 at Temple Newsam, Leeds
Coach Travel Options
Big Green Coach offers carbon-neutral return coach travel from over 60 UK locations. Coaches arrive before music starts and depart after headliners finish, eliminating the need for hotels or designated drivers.
Popular pick-up points include London Victoria, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, and more.
Hotel and Coach Packages
Combined hotel and coach packages are available for both North and South events. These include accommodation and round-trip transport, ideal for hassle-free planning.
Parking and Drop-Off
On-site parking is available and must be booked in advance. Accessible parking and pick-up/drop-off points are provided for attendees with mobility needs.
Accessibility Travel Support
Free-of-charge accessible parking and companion tickets are available. Facilities wristbands grant access to lowered bar areas, accessible toilets, and queue jump privileges.
Public Transport
Hatfield Park is accessible via Hatfield train station, with direct services from London. Temple Newsam is reachable via Leeds station and local buses or taxis.
Travel Tips
Book travel early to secure best rates and availability. Consider sustainable options like coach travel to reduce environmental impact. Always check the festival website for updates and final travel guides.
Food and Drink at Slam Dunk Festival 2026
Street Food Vendors
The festival will feature a wide range of street food stalls offering global cuisines, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Expect everything from gourmet burgers and loaded fries to Asian fusion and wood-fired pizza.
Drinks and Bars
Multiple bar areas will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks. Lowered bar counters are available for accessibility needs.
Water Stations
Free water refill stations will be located throughout the site. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Dietary Options
Vendors will clearly label food items to accommodate dietary restrictions. Vegan and gluten-free meals will be available at several stalls.
Queue Jump Access
Attendees with accessibility wristbands can use queue jump privileges at food vendors to reduce wait times.
Payment Methods
Most vendors accept contactless card payments. Cash may not be accepted at all stalls, so plan accordingly.
Accessibility at Slam Dunk Festival 2026
Companion Tickets
Attendees with accessibility needs can request a free-of-charge PA ticket for an essential companion. This must be applied for via the Access Requirements Form before 24th April 2026.
Viewing Platforms
Raised viewing platforms are available at each stage. Tickets for these platforms must be booked in advance and require supporting documentation.
Accessible Facilities
Facilities include accessible toilets, Changing Places units with adult changing beds and hoists, and lowered bar service areas. A facilities wristband grants access to these amenities.
Queue Jump System
Attendees with facilities wristbands can use queue jump privileges at food vendors, signing tents, and other activations across the site.
Accessible Parking
Free-of-charge accessible parking is available and must be requested via the Access Requirements Form. Accessible pick-up and drop-off points are also provided.
Access Team and Support
A dedicated access team is available year-round to assist with questions. An Access Hub will be staffed onsite during the festival to support attendees.
Application Process
To access these services, attendees must complete the Access Requirements Form after booking their tickets. Confirmation will be sent via email within two weeks of submission.
Temple Newsam Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS150AE
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