SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL UNVEILS FIRST WAVE OF ACTS FOR ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Slam Dunk Festival has revealed the first batch of artists set to perform at its 2026 event, marking the festival’s 20th birthday with what organisers promise will be “the biggest and best Slam Dunk yet.”

The festival’s southern edition takes place at Hatfield Park on Saturday 23 May 2026, headlined by a European-exclusive set from pop-punk icons Good Charlotte.

They’ll be joined by Sublime, the legendary California ska-punk trio, who will play their first-ever UK show, and Taking Back Sunday, performing a UK-exclusive anniversary set to celebrate 20 years of their landmark album Louder Now.

Good Charlotte shared their excitement: “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!”

Founded in 2006 by Slam Dunk Records, the festival has grown from a modest Leeds celebration of emo, punk, ska, and metal into the UK’s largest independent rock festival, drawing acts from across the globe.

Also confirmed for the 2026 line-up are Bury Tomorrow, Cancer Bats, Dashboard Confessional, with “many more to be announced.”

Festival founder Ben Ray reflected on the milestone: “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!”

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, September 27, at 10am via slamdunkfestival.com.