More about: Slam Dunk Festival

This weekend, it’s everyone’s favourite time in the pop-punk calendar, it’s Slam Dunk! Luckily, we’ve got the lowdown on 7 acts you absolutely should not miss this pop-punk Christmas playing both North and South. 

Kids in Glass Houses

Not only are Slam Dunk their first shows in almost 9 years, they’re also celebrating 15 years since their debut ‘Smart Casual’ including the likes of ‘Give Me What I Want’, ‘Saturday’, and ‘Easy Tiger’. The Welsh band have always had a reputation for smashing it out of the park live and, considering the sheer amount of love that poured out on Twitter when they were announced, are absolutely one not to miss this weekend at 17:20 on the Amazon Music Presents Rock Scene Stage. 

Creeper

The Southampton punks are making their return to the hallowed Slam Dunk stage at 19:15 on the Kerrang! Tent Right Stage on the cusp of a new era (their previous one ended with frontman Will Gould being ‘beheaded’ on stage) with their brand of theatrical rock. Whilst we’re sure there’ll be a lot of classics, there’s also the chance for new music considering they’ve been awfully quiet recently… only one way to find out. 

Spanish Love Songs

With a new album on the way in August, it’s not a surprise that American emos Spanish Love Songs are hitting up Slam Dunk this year at 13:45 on the Kerrang! Tent Right Stage. Expect some great depressing songs and A LOT of flannel shirts. Possibly the biggest concentration on the planet of the latter. 

Holding Absence

At 14:10 on the Amazon Music Presents Rock Scene Stage, Welsh rockers Holding Absence will be delivering some great modern day emo anthems. Considering their rapidly rising popularity, dedicated fans, and new album ‘The Noble Art of Self Destruction’ on the way they are simply one not to miss this weekend. 

The Academy Is…

A throwback. A band closely associated with the likes of Fall Out Boy and other Decaydance alumni, The Academy Is… are popping up at Slam Dunk for their first UK shows in several years at 18:25 on the Kerrang! Tent Left Stage. While there (probably) won’t be any cheeseboards unlike at their upcoming Camden Assembly show, there will still be some good throwback tunes to rewind the clock to. 

Flogging Molly

Of course, if both new and throwback emo/pop-punk isn’t your jam there’s Flogging Molly on the Dickies Stage at 17:15. The Celtic punk rockers will be providing some good ol’ fashioned knee slappers for both a mosh and a dance with a singsong especially on the anthem ‘If I Ever Leave This World Alive’. Plus, they’re a whole boatload of fun live so why not enjoy yourself? (If you’re not seeing Kids in Glass Houses at the same time that is.)

Enter Shikari

This year’s headliners come in the form of Enter Shikari (who, of course, formed not that far from Hatfield) off the back of their recent number 1 album ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’. The band already come bearing a reputation for being one of the country’s best live acts and have both some classics in the form of ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’ and ‘Juggernauts’ that will delight the Slam Dunk crowd alongside their brand new bangers. Absolutely not one to miss at 9pm on the Amazon Music Present Rock Scene Stage. If you do miss them, then what the bloody hell did you even go for? 

Slam Dunk South takes place on 27th May 2023 at Hatfield Park and Slam Dunk North takes place on 28th May 2023 at Leeds Temple Newsam. 

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More about: Slam Dunk Festival