Picture it: 26+ degrees of sunshine, a sea of pop-punk elder emos with red, factor-50-defying sunburn, checkerboard Vans everywhere you look, band tees of every era, old friends reunited and new ones made — all soundtracked by the music you discover, relive, and that takes you right back to your youth. Slam Dunk Festival North delivered all the ingredients for immaculate vibes and the perfect way to kick off summer.
This year, I set off around 10am via Uber to Temple Newsam Park. The roads were surprisingly clear, and I was dropped right at the entrance — shoutout to my driver who unknowingly ended up with a car full of glitter thanks to my hairspray situation. Entry was smooth as I collected my wristband and headed into the village area before the arena opened at 11am. There was already a buzz in the air — bars, merch stalls, food options, and plenty of shade where people were settling in and people-watching, watching the crowd roll in with faces full of excitement, happiness, and anticipation. I was also lucky enough to meet someone handing out handmade friendship bracelets. She offered me a “naughty” or “not naughty” bracelet… it was far too early in the day for risky decisions, so I went safe — and was rewarded with a beautiful pink Boston Manor bracelet. When the gates finally opened, the excitement was unreal. That moment where your heart is pounding and you can’t quite believe you’re actually there. Festivals always feel like stepping into another reality — everything outside fades away and it’s just music, energy, and pure good vibes.
Call Me Amour – Scott’s Key Club Stage
I headed straight to Scott’s Key Club stage for Call Me Amour, and they absolutely set the tone for the day. Vocalist Harry Radford was on a 100% energy level from the start — roaming the stage, engaging the crowd, and even climbing the rigging like it was nothing. Chaos, but the good kind. The whole band were incredibly tight, with Geoff Murphy and Arran Lomax’s backing vocals adding real depth. Hearing “Bloom” live was a highlight, but “Happy Hell” really brought the crowd together. They didn’t just open the stage — they ignited it. One of the most exciting rising bands on the scene, no question. We recently saw this same tireless independent philosophy on display when Bridges released their debut album Guiding The Blind.
Pest Control – Main Stage East
A quick sprint later (about 50 steps, but somehow it felt like a marathon in the heat), I caught Pest Control tearing through a razor-sharp set of hardcore-infused chaos. Thrashy, fast, and intense — a brilliant first introduction to a band I hadn’t listened to before but will definitely revisit.
Madina Lake – Monster Stage 1
Then it was uphill to the Monster Stage, and the teenage emo in me was thriving, crying and screaming. Madina Lake brought pure nostalgia. “Welcome to Oblivion” had the crowd roaring, but “Here I Stand” was the real emotional peak — everyone singing like it was still 2007. The little 15 year old emo in me was living her best life pelting out their hits. I even made use of my handheld fan as a personal mic for me just singing out every single word! It’s so good to see Madina Lake back when we have missed them for many years, I really wish they would come back around again but they haven’t changed a bit with Vocalist Nathan Leone still standing on the barrier and continuing to crowd surf into fans while singing – also barefoot!? How his feet did not burn I do not know.
They brought a wave of nostalgia to Slam Dunk with a set full of emotion, energy, and fan favourites that had the crowd singing every word.
The stage set ups worked really well I feel having the Main Stage East 1/2 for the ‘heavier’ bands and also for the Monster 1/2 stage for bands too! The only thing that was unfortunate for the Monster stages, was if it was popular band and you didn’t grab a spot early, the way the ground is further back you end up starting to go downhill a bit so it’s pretty tricky to see even the screens. But you can just do what I do and have your own sing song with people around you. The beauty of this though is you also get a cracking view of the Main Stage and with a few steps further back you can hear the band on there! Best of both worlds!
Unpeople – Main Stage West
This meant I was able to catch part of Unpeople’s set and instantly regretted not being in the thick of it for “The Garden” — that track absolutely slaps live. Heavy, stompy, bass-driven energy that pulled a huge response from the crowd. Their whole set felt raw and unfiltered, with big emotional weight behind the heaviness.
At this point, hydration was non-negotiable. Water points were easy to find, and I took a moment to sit by the Safe Space Tent — a genuinely brilliant addition to the festival. It was a lovely set up where people could go to regulate if they felt overwhelmed, attend for their own well-being with lovely staff available and some comfy bean bag chairs if you just needed a moment to pause. Nearby were merch stalls like Impericon, official merch stands, and even a signing tent — something I always love seeing at festivals. Meeting artists up close is such a special part of the experience.
Broadside – Scott’s Key Club Stage
Next up I headed back to Scott’s Key Club Stage to catch one of the bands that were a MUST SEE for me as I’ve recently discovered them the end of last year, Broadside. I could talk about this band ALL DAY! They sound amazing but what I absolutely adore is the vulnerability and emotion and passion they convey with their music. Particularly their recent album Nowhere, At Last where there are themes I am convinced we can all relate too with mental health and emotion. We know music connects us together, but when our feelings are hard to convey and artists are able to put it into songs for us – wow! Suddenly we feel we aren’t alone and it connects with us so much deeper.
I love their song ‘Dead Roses’ and unfortunately they didn’t include it in their set, but whatever reason that was please listen to it. They did play “Dazed and Confused” an older track that was clearly a fan fav as the packed out tent was jumping about and LOUD – very loud! I also loved being able to see their track “I Think They Know” which is a really fun upbeat track.
Overall, Broadside balanced catchy hooks with heartfelt moments, creating an anthemic atmosphere that perfectly suited the festival crowd.
Saosin – Main Stage East 2
Next up in the afternoon I went to see Saosin, a band I’ve never seen and not really heard of before (I’m late to the party I know) – but that is the beauty of festivals – discovering new bands! Saosin delivered a nostalgia-heavy set packed with soaring melodies and chaotic energy that reminded everyone why they are scene favourites in the first place. For me the highlight was a track called “You’re Not Alone”. Personally there are 3 top things that instantly make me fall in love with a song: A meaty riff, a ‘bleugh’ or heartfelt vulnerable lyrics, and this track got me: “You’re not alone there is more to this, I know. You can make it out, you will to tell – there is more to this I know, you can make it out” – What a beautiful message to sing out to the sea of fans on shoulders, holding strangers beside them – stunning!
Currents – Main Stage East 2
Now by this point I was absolutely sweltering in the heat so made a conscious decision to stay by Main Stage East 1/2 to catch the bands. I really liked this stage as it typically covered the ‘heavier’ bands. Next up was Currents who delivered a crushingly atmospheric set, balancing huge breakdowns with soaring melodies. For fans of darker, more contemporary metalcore, their performance slots in neatly alongside the festival’s heavier acts while still standing out for its emotional depth.
President – Main Stage East 1
Next was another one of my top see bands as a huge fan I had to catch President even though the clash with Tonight Alive was heartbreaking. But I went to the effort of dressing up as ‘President’ so I committed!! This band are soaring. Hearing their debut live performance of their latest single “Doom Loop” felt so special and they did a phenomenal job. They brought a sharp, energetic performance that instantly grabbed attention and kept the momentum high throughout their set. They stood out at Slam Dunk Festival as one of the more intriguing newer names on the bill, bringing a brooding, high-impact take on modern heavy music. Their sound leans into a blend of metalcore and industrial-tinged atmosphere, with huge, tightly controlled riffs and a strong emphasis on mood as much as heaviness.
Rather than relying on constant chaos, they build tension and release it in sharp, deliberate bursts that land. It’s the kind of set that feels designed to pull in curiosity as much as mosh pits, marking them as a band to watch going forward. The only thing is they didn’t play ‘Mercy’ which is a favourite of mine, however they did play ‘Dionysis’ which again, hits me in the feels!! A really compelling stage presence this band are clearly a one to watch.
Bury Tomorrow – Main Stage East 2
Bury Tomorrow proved once again why they’re festival favourites, combining relentless heaviness with massive singalong choruses. Opening with “Choke” was a banging choice – not one I expected but it set off the mood for what their set was going to continue on like, with the crowd going absolutely insane! I was a bit disappointed they didn’t play ‘Man on Fire’ as I’ve missed this in their setlists recently but hearing other tracks like “Black Flame” and “What If I Burn” definitely made up for it. Bury Tomorrow never disappoint and I’m so excited to see they are going on tour again next year!
Okay, so now I finally ate – I do not recommend holding off to eat that late at a festival but the Scottish lass in me had a hearty bowl of porridge in the morning to keep me going! I opted for a favourite of mine ‘Big Mouth Gyoza’ which was delish! There were lots of stalls available for food catering to many styles, cuisines including lots of vegetarian, and vegan options. For those who have a sweet tooth there are lots of options (churros always look sublime) and for the fellow caffeine lovers lots of coffee stalls are on site too. For me, It was the cans of chilled monster I was leaning into… and of-course it would be rude to not try a cocktail at the bars! But I loved the massive beer craft tent they had for trying different kinds of lager, IPAs etc. including President’s IPA.
Malevolence – Main Stage East 1
So while I ate my lovely dinner in the sun as the temperature finally dropped slightly I sat and watched Malevolence who hit like a wrecking ball, delivering brutal riffs and crowd-hyping intensity that turned the pit into absolute carnage. They came across heavier and more old-school than I expected, leaning into a hardcore-influenced metal sound that clearly got a strong reaction from the crowd. Even though I’ve not really listened to them before, the energy in their set was hard to ignore, with thick riffs and a very direct, aggressive delivery. They clearly know how to work a live audience.
Good Charlotte – Main Stage West
Finally our headliners of 2026 Good Charlotte! They closed out with a wave of nostalgia, packing their set with anthems that had the entire crowd singing every word. I was furious though I missed the opening track which was my favourite “The River” but walking all the way to the main stage in the heat, post food I was wilting! However, these guys got my energy back up very quickly as they closed the festival with a nostalgic, high-energy headline set that leaned heavily into early-2000s pop-punk nostalgia. Their performance was built around big hooks, crowd singalongs, and a steady stream of fan favourites that had the audience fully engaged from start to finish.
As expected our headline show was completed with pyro, fireworks and the perfect ending to a beautiful day! Even if you’re not deeply into their catalogue, it was hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere, with the band clearly enjoying the response they were getting. As a headliner, they delivered something more celebratory than groundbreaking, but it worked perfectly for a festival crowd looking for a final burst of feel-good energy. Hearing older tracks like “Keep Your Hands Off My Girl” I actually forgot all about that track until I heard it and was instantly swept back to me sitting in my high school corridors with my iPod blasting this track out!
Slam Dunk Festival North felt like a perfect blend of nostalgia, discovery, chaos, and community. From emotional singalongs to heavy breakdowns and sun-soaked stages, it captured everything that makes festival season so special — and then turned it up a notch. See you in 2027, Slam Dunk!
Photos by Alan Swan Photography
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