As the festival gears up for another massive year, we break down the acts, stages, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Slam Dunk Festival has cemented itself as the UK destination for fans of pop-punk, emo, and hardcore, and everything in between. With its high-energy atmosphere, stacked lineups, and a perfect mix of nostalgia and new blood, it’s the ultimate kickoff to festival season. Whether you’re here to relive your youth or discover your next favorite band, Slam Dunk always delivers. Here are some of the standout acts you won’t want to miss this year—trust us, these are the sets that’ll have everyone talking.

Photo – @Plasticbath

Knuckle Puck

Knuckle Puck is a band from Chicago that has been on the scene since 2010. They are celebrating their 10th anniversary of the infamous *Copacetic* album this year and have recently appeared on a track with Mayday Parade called “Who’s Laughing Now”. They will be performing on the Main Stage West at 1:25 pm–2:05 pm on both days, so try to catch them if you can.

@bengibsonphoto

Greywind

Greywind will be performing at the beginning of the day on The Key Club stage on both days. This Killarney-based brother and sister duo is a mix of Paramore and Blink 182. They bring the lyrics and music that every pop-punk fan will love. They recently released a new song, “I.K.A.M.F,” which will have you singing along. 

@michaeltyronedelaney

Scowl

Scowl is an American rock band from Santa Cruz, California. They have been on the scene since 2019 and have toured with the likes of System of a Down, Korn, and Limp Bizkit. They have recently released their studio album, *Are We All Angels*, which merges hardcore and punk perfectly. Catch them at The Key Club Stage at 8:20 pm–8:55 pm each day.

@wondergirlphoto

Neck Deep

Neck Deep will be playing on the Main Stage West at 7:20 pm–8:30 pm, and you must check out this band if you have never seen them perform before. High energy crossed with melodic sounds, their music is a mixture of riffs that will make you jump to soft lyrics that will have you reaching for the tissues. “Wish You Were Here” and “In Bloom” are definite songs to listen out for.

@shotbyhvnter

The Used

Now, everyone knows The Used, and they will be performing on the Main Stage East at 6:15 pm–7:15 pm. They will be doing something different each day, playing their *In Love And Death* album in full at Hatfield and their self-titled album in full at Leeds. These sets are definitely ones not to be missed. 

@anthnypercella

Movements

Movements is the kind of band that makes you feel every word. Known for their emotionally raw lyrics and dynamic post-hardcore sound, they’ve carved out a space between spoken-word intimacy and cathartic breakdowns. Their live shows are a rollercoaster. If you’re looking for a band that connects with its crowd on a deeply personal level, Movements is a must-see. They will be on Main Stage West at 2:30 pm–3:10 pm, both days.

Justin Labadie

Winona Fighter 

Winona Fighter is fast becoming one of punk’s most exciting new acts. With unapologetic lyrics, infectious hooks, and an electric stage presence, they bring a spirit that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Their shows are sweaty, chaotic, and absolutely joyful.Expect to mosh, laugh, and leave hoarse from shouting every word. They are one of three acts playing the Key Club stage at the beginning of the day. Check your schedule for exact times. 

@FreeThrowEmo

Free Throw

Free Throw is the emotional touch you didn’t know you needed at a festival. Blending emo, punk, and post-hardcore, their music is honest and deeply relatable—full of soaring guitar lines, shouted confessions, and vulnerability. Their live shows feel like therapy sessions set to explosive riffs, where everyone in the crowd is yelling the same lyrics for the same reasons. If you’re craving an emotionally charged set that hits you right in the heart, Free Throw won’t let you down. They play on the Key Club stage during the afternoon. Check your schedule for the set times. 

@Camphausmedia

Kill the Lights

For fans of heavy riffs and massive choruses, Kill the Lights deliver it all. Formed by ex-members of Bullet for My Valentine and Throw the Fight, they bring a polished yet punishing sound that fuses modern metal with classic metalcore aggression. Their sets are pure adrenaline: double-kick drums, soaring vocals, and shredding guitar solos that will have fists pumping across the festival field. If you need a blast of energy, these guys are your fix. They will be hitting the Main Stage West at 12:25 p.m.–1 p.m.

@HotMilkHotMilk

Hot Milk

Hot Milk is here to break hearts and blow minds. Blending pop-punk anthems with alt-rock edge, their sound is as catchy as it is confrontational. The dual vocals of Han Mee and Jim Shaw bring a push-pull energy that crackles live. With songs that hit you straight in the chest, their performances feel like a riot and a release. If you want your festival moment to be one big singalong, Hot Milk will deliver. Catch them last on the Kerrang! stage at 8:50 p.m.

Slam Dunk Festival isn’t just a celebration of music—it’s a gathering of a community that lives and breathes every beat, lyric, and breakdown. Whether you’re screaming along in the front row or discovering a new favorite band from the back of the crowd, the memories made here are the ones that stick. These are just a few of the artists set to light up the stage, but the beauty of Slam Dunk lies in the surprises—the hidden gems, the unplanned singalongs, and the moments that remind you why you fell in love with music in the first place. See you in the pit.