Two decades. That’s how long Slam Dunk Festival has been fuelling the UK’s alt-rock, pop-punk and emo scene—and in 2026, it’s throwing its biggest party yet.

From humble beginnings as a Leeds club night in 2001 to a full-blown multi-award-winning festival, Slam Dunk has become a rite of passage for fans and bands alike. And now, as it hits its 20th anniversary, the festival is pulling out all the stops with a stacked first wave of artists that reads like a love letter to the scene.

Slam Dunk Festival 2026 lands at Hatfield Park on Saturday 23rd May, before heading north to Leeds’ Temple Newsam on Sunday 24th May. Tickets go live this Saturday 27th September at 10am via slamdunkfestival.com

Headlining this milestone edition are none other than Good Charlotte—back on UK soil for the first time since 2019 and returning to Slam Dunk for the first time since their 2018 debut. It’s their only European show next summer, and they’ll be bringing a career-spanning set plus tracks from their new album Motel Du Cap. Expect anthems, nostalgia, and pure pop-punk catharsis.

Also making history: Sublime. Yes, that Sublime. The Californian legends will play their first-ever UK show at Slam Dunk 2026, with Jakob Nowell stepping into his father Bradley’s shoes to carry the legacy forward. Fresh off Coachella, they’ll be bringing hits like Santeria and What I Got to British soil for the very first time.

And that’s just the beginning.

The first wave also includes:

Cartel (UK exclusive, celebrating 20 years of Chroma)
Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Motion City Soundtrack
Cancer Bats, Bury Tomorrow, PRESIDENT
Goldfinger, The Suicide Machines, Zebrahead
Stand Atlantic, The Home Team, The Menzingers
Set Your Goals, Tonight Alive, unpeople
Hawthorne Heights, Driveways, Broadside
British alt-rock cult heroes A
Chicago pop-punk staples Allister

Founder Ben Ray reflects: “When I started the festival 20 years ago, I had no idea it would grow to this size. I’m overwhelmed by the support—from fans who come every year to the bands who keep coming back. Thank you all!”

Slam Dunk 2026 isn’t just another festival—it’s a celebration of 20 years of sweat, riffs, tears, and triumph. If you’ve ever screamed lyrics in a muddy field or found your tribe in a pit, this one’s for you.

Tickets drop Saturday 27th September at 10am. Don’t sleep on it.