EmmaI have just about recovered from the annual Slam Dunk Festival celebrations. So, I thought it was about time I did a full run through of the day! (Just for the record, I started writing this about 4 days post Slammy D)
A Brief Rundown of the History of Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk Festival first started in 2006 in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It was first held in Millennium Square, where it was located previously, until it moved in 2018 to it’s current home – Temple Newsam. In 2010, the festival introduced Hatfield to the line-up for Southern fans who couldn’t make it up North.
The festival had a brief stint in the Midlands from the years 2013 to 2018. Some of the most notable bands that have played here over the years have been Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, Enter Shikari, Jimmy Eat World, The All American Rejects, New Found Glory, McFly (as a surprise act), and many more.
My Slam Dunk Outfit for 2025
Each year, I try and go ‘all out’ for Slam Dunk. Following from last years precipitation, my friend Lee and I decided to go with wellies – and we thought it would be fun to decorate them!
I bought some supplies along with my outfit from SHEIN. If you’re planning on decorating wellies any time soon – I recommend not buying a glue gun… go to Home Bargains instead!
Here’s some links to my outfit:
- Made in Hell T-Shirt (purchased the day after I renounced my sins in church)
- Pleather Skort – Purchased on Vinted, originally from SHEIN
- Cross Tights
- Wellies
- Decorations: Skulls, Crosses, Chains, Boot Charms, Leopard Print Lightning Bolts Letters, some yarn I found in the garage
Our Day at Slam Dunk 2025
I thought the best approach to this blog post would be to do a run down of our day. Quite honestly, there’s a 2-hour gap I can’t remember. Thankfully, the majority of that gap consists with eating – including a 20-minute wait.
Getting There: The First Band
We made tracks to Slam Dunk North at around 11:00, and arrived at our home for the night (Thorpe Park Hotel) shortly after. We’d already got ready that morning. So, we’d arranged to check in, leaving our bags in the car – we’d deal with that later. Unfortunately technical difficulties proved we couldn’t log in there and then. So, we left the car and headed on to the arena.
A stroll through the park hyped us up – as we could hear the bands of Slam Dunk already. Although, I couldn’t tell you who it was.
It wasn’t long before we found our fellow emos – reminding us that we were on the right tracks. The entrance was quick and easy; but sadly that walk way was only to be seen once – the one after the entrance. We simply forgot to return!
After a trip to the bar, we made our way to Sophie Powers. I already got carried away with excitement, not repeating what my friend Lee said about her. This statement was swiftly dropped by her. From what I recall, she was very good, but I was over hyped and I couldn’t remember much from that part of Slam Dunk, other than a stranger gifting my mum a tiny duck, only to be greeted by a look of confusion.
Point North at Slam Dunk
A few weeks prior, I was listening to Kerrang! Radio, when Point North – Safe and Sound came on the radio. It got me pumped, and I later was delighted to find out that they were playing Slam Dunk. So, I knew I had to see them. I didn’t know many songs, just the last one. However, that didn’t stop me singing and dancing.
Twin Atlantic
I first saw Twin Atlantic at Slam Dunk Festival 2008. This wasn’t only my first Slam Dunk, but it was theirs too. So I knew I had to catch them at this one. Unfortunately, we were at the back, but enjoyed it nevertheless.
The Big Breather
After Twin Atlantic, I had a big blackout – I remember eating a chicken burger, but apparently I had rum at some point, which I can’t remember.
Following this, we went to see New Found Glory. My only recollection of this was singing to ‘Kiss Me’ whilst making my way to the portaloos… then taking a photo of a dustbin.
Neck Deep
I really like Neck Deep, so I was glad we went to see them. I would love to see them again. I even managed to make it into a mosh pit for Bloom!
Unfortunately, my mum got jealous of my mosh pit activities and decided to join a friend in the Hot Milk equivalent, which was apparently a lot heavier.
A Day To Remember
Closing up the festival (for us) was ATDR. I can now tell you that every Slam Dunk attendee, with a TikTok account now knows their greatest hits off by heart.
They were incredible at the festival, and I didn’t want to leave. However, I’m starting to think I need to reset my algorithm because it’s starting to resemble an alarm clock to be honest!
There was a generous collection of confetti and beach balls. I’m glad I sobered up for them, let’s put it that way!
Who do I wish I’d seen?
The first band I wish I’d seen were Electric Callboy. I still don’t know any songs, but their set looked sick to be honest. Another band I’d see again if given the chance was The Ataris. Back in the day, Elliot Minor covered Looking Back on Today, and I really wanted to go see them – I just forgot!
Some other bands I’d love to have seen are:
- As It Is (now that he’s had his hair cut)
- Delilah Bon
- Mouth Culture (I hated them before Slam Dunk, but I’m growing to them now)
- Millionaires – I was supposed to see them, but had a big fall out with my mother about it, so we went home instead
- The Used
Predictions for Next Year
I’ve already conducted an in-depth TikTok on this, but here are my band predictions for 2026.
- Fall Out Boy – The first headliners of Slam Dunk in 2006. Will they headline for the 20th anniversary? A lot of people were stating that the festival won’t afford them – but I beg to differ. I don’t think FoB had the budget that they used to. Also – a few years ago, Slam Dunk hosted Sum41! Who’s to say Pete Wentz won’t be gracing the stage again?!
- We Are The Ocean – Following Liam’s solo return, I think it’s a high possibility that the lads might join forces once again for this special day.
- Deaf Havana – These lads recently reunited – so I think they are a highly likely possibility
- Mallory Knox – Like the above, they recently reunited too – and I’d love to finally see them!
- 3OH!3 – I’ve not a clue if these are still going… but BOY how nostalgic would that be?!
- Goldfinger – I think I saw Goldfinger back in 2018, and they smashed it out of the park. I would love to see them again!
- Reel Big Fish – I sung a fair few RBF songs back in college and I’d love to sing them again, with them!
- Random Hand – These guys are local to me! I saw them not too long ago – they were amazing, and they played the first Slammy D! Will they play again?
- Call Me Amour – I saw their banners all over the area… it’s almost like they were hinting something… I can definitely see it coming.
- Elliot Minor – My holy grail. I feel like if CMA were on, Harry would be like a little groupie for them and set them on. What a treat!
- YungBlud – I love Yungblud but not a lot of metal heads do. I feel like this could be a controversial one
- The Rasmus – This would be an incredible contribution!
Where will the festival be held next year?
Not a lot of people are talking about this. However, I feel like the venue won’t be Temple Newsam next year. Quite honestly, if it is I’ll be disappointed.
I think next year, it should either be held at Millennium Square – or my personal favourite – the Uni. Although, Millennium Square would be better suited; since it was the first host.
What do you think? Who would you like to see? What differences would you like for the big 20 years?
