SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL 2026: FINAL ACTS ADDED FOR ITS 20TH EDITION
Slam Dunk, the UK’s biggest independent rock festival, has dropped its second and final wave of artists, locking in a massive line-up for its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Joining previously announced headliners Good Charlotte and Sublime, Kentucky’s hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose lead the latest additions, alongside more than 20 new names spanning pop-punk, emo, ska, metal and beyond.
Celebrating two decades at the forefront of the UK’s alt scene, Slam Dunk 2026 goes heavier than ever with two new side-by-side stages dedicated entirely to metalcore, hardcore and post-hardcore, with zero set clashes to mark the occasion. Expect chaos as the stages host some of the scene’s fiercest acts, including Bury Tomorrow, Cancer Bats, President, and new stage headliners Knocked Loose and Malevolence.
Slam Dunk also dropped a huge surprise, and it’s a heavy one. Responding to massive fan demand, the festival has unveiled “The Harvest”, a brand-new zone built for hardcore and metalcore fans. With two stages running side-by-side and zero set clashes, it’s designed for pure, non-stop chaos.
Knocked Loose and Malevolence look set to top the bill, but it’s the undercard that’s turning heads, Dying Wish, Heriot, Static Dress, and Pest Control will be tearing through explosive sets all day long.
Honestly, The Harvest could be a full festival on its own, and when you add it to the rest of Slam Dunk’s 2026 lineup, the 20th anniversary is shaping up to be something truly special.
The 2026 line-up is now complete, featuring a powerhouse mix of returning favourites and fresh faces:
A Loss For Words, Angel Du$t, and Bayside bring pop-punk and emo nostalgia. Rising UK rockers Beauty School join off the back of their October ’25 album From Now On, alongside Boston Manor and newcomers Call Me Amour. Hardcore and metalcore heavyweights Comeback Kid, Currents, Dying Wish, and Guilt Trip promise relentless energy. Festival favourites Deaf Havana return to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Fools and Worthless Liars. Hands Like Houses, Heriot, and Madina Lake bring global alternative firepower. Groove metal juggernauts Malevolence storm back with new album Where Only The Truth Is Spoken.
Plus Origami Angel, Pest Control, Punk Rock Factory, Saosin, SiM, State Champs, Static Dress, Trash Boat, Vukovi, and Youth Fountain round out an unmissable line-up.
Since 2006, Slam Dunk has been a defining fixture in the alternative calendar, consistently uniting iconic headliners with the next generation of talent. What began as a Leeds club night in 2001 has grown into a multi-award-winning festival that’s hosted legends like Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Enter Shikari, Jimmy Eat World, Sum 41 and NOFX.
From its debut in 2006 headlined by Fall Out Boy to its 20th anniversary celebration next year, Slam Dunk continues to evolve, bringing together generations of fans in Hatfield Park and Leeds’ Temple Newsam for the ultimate alternative weekender.
Slam Dunk Festival returns to Hatfield Park (23 May) and Leeds Temple Newsam (24 May) 2026. Tickets available now via www.slamdunkfestival.com
