Image: Slam Dunk 2026 Lineup Poster
Another festival anniversary is coming our way! Slam Dunk turns 20 next year, and of course, that’s an extra reason to celebrate. With the announcement of its first wave of bands, excitement is already building, as there are plenty of highlights among the first 24 acts!
Before we dive into the lineup, here’s a big thank-you to all festival fans from Slam Dunk founder Ben Ray:
“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 fanbase who come every single year, to all the bands that keep coming back to play. A massive thank you to all!”
First lineup reveal
Festival headliners Good Charlotte have been confirmed, who will play an exclusive European show at Slam Dunk’s 20th birthday next year. And it will also mark their return to the UK after seven years, as they put it themselves:
“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 favourite shows in our career have been in the UK and this will be no exception!”
Also joining the lineup are Sublime, who will be playing their first-ever UK show, followed by Taking Back Sunday, who are celebrating an anniversary of their own – the 20th birthday of their album Louder Now. Fans can also look forward to the rising band President, as well as performances from Bury Tomorrow, Goldfinger, The Menzingers, Zebrahead, and many more!
Here’s the full lineup announced so far:
Ticket info: Slam Dunk South & Slam Dunk North
Slam Dunk Festival South in Hatfield will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, while Slam Dunk Festival North in Leeds will happen on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Tickets for both dates go on sale on September 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. Find more info at slamdunkfestival.com/ticket-info.
