Slam Dunk hits a new stride for 2025

Running a music festival has never been more precarious. Since the pandemic, the industry lives under a looming sense of fragility, with many festivals just a single misstep away from collapse. Slam Dunk, for its part, readily admits its flaws. But this year, the event makes huge strides to feel wholly more enjoyable. Across both the Leeds and Hatfield sites, thoughtful changes make a tangible difference: improved parking, more spacious bars, better food options, larger stages, and - most importantly - a renewed commitment to what makes a ticket truly worth the price. No, they can't control the weather, and the price of a pint is getting ridiculous - but they make sure the lasting impression of the festival comes from the band in front of you.

And yet, none of that comes at the expense of the music. If anything, this year acts as a recalibration - a more modest line-up perhaps, but one that reflects the evolving identity of the festival.

Headliners A Day To Remember bring the fire to one of two Main Stages, backed by a bill that includes Neck Deep, Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory, The Used and Electric Callboy as standout acts. Almost all quintessential Slam Dunk names, though the undercard feels thinner than in previous editions. Rather than a wealth of mid-tier buzz bands, the line-up splits neatly between two camps: the nostalgia acts and the newcomers. That divide, intentional or not, speaks volumes about the state of the alternative scene currently - and Slam Dunk's place within it.

One noticeable shift is the shrinking presence of ska-punk, once a festival staple. Less Than Jake, The Aquabats and Zebrahead keep the flame burning, but it's clear the spotlight has moved. In their place comes a surge of electronic-metal hybrids - bands blending rave chaos with breakdown brutality, a reflection of the genre cross-pollination fuelling new fanbases.