Slam Dunk Festival has confirmed the first wave of acts for its 20th anniversary edition, set for May 23 and 24, 2026. The UK’s biggest independent rock festival will once again take place across two sites: Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire and Temple Newsam, Leeds.
Good Charlotte Return with an Exclusive UK Performance
Headlining the milestone weekend will be Good Charlotte, who are making their first UK appearance since 2019’s Alexandra Palace show in London. The set is billed as a European exclusive, ensuring Slam Dunk 2026 will be one of the only opportunities for fans to see the band live next year.
The pop punk icons said in a statement:
“We are excited to come back and play the UK for the first time in seven 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.”
Sublime to Make Their UK Debut
Joining them are ska punk pioneers Sublime, who are currently working with Travis Barker of Blink-182 on their first new album in nearly three decades. Their Slam Dunk slot will be especially historic, marking their first ever live performance in the UK.
A Packed First Wave of Artists
The lineup also features a wide range of fan favourites and cult icons:
- President – a mysterious project rumoured to involve Busted’s Charlie Simpson.
- Taking Back Sunday – delivering a special 20th anniversary celebration of their 2006 classic album Louder Now.
- Dashboard Confessional – beloved emo pioneers known for Vindicated and Hands Down.
- Goldfinger – ska punk veterans famous for their high-energy festival sets.
- Motion City Soundtrack – bringing nostalgic 2000s anthems like Everything Is Alright.
- The Menzingers – modern punk rock favourites, praised for On The Impossible Past.
Slam Dunk at 20: A Festival Legacy
From its origins as a club night in Leeds, Slam Dunk has grown into one of the UK’s most significant alternative music festivals, regularly hosting the biggest names in punk, emo, ska, and hardcore. Over the past two decades, it has welcomed major acts such as Paramore, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, and You Me At Six, cementing itself as a rite of passage for fans of the scene.
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!”
Fan Reactions and Anniversary Hype
The announcement has already sparked excitement online, with fans celebrating both Good Charlotte’s long-awaited return and Sublime’s UK debut. Many see the 20th anniversary edition as a celebration of the genres Slam Dunk has championed since its inception, and anticipation is running high for additional lineup announcements.
Organisers are also teasing exclusive anniversary celebrations, which could include special stage takeovers, collaborations, and surprise guests.
Tickets and On-Sale Information
Tickets for Slam Dunk Festival 2026 will go on sale at 10am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, via official outlets. Ticketing pages will launch on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with expected tiers for standard entry, VIP upgrades, and weekend passes. With Slam Dunk traditionally selling out quickly, fans are being encouraged to secure their tickets early.
