“The harvest is upon us.“
Entering its 20th year as one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of alternative music, Slam Dunk has its sights set on greatness for its anniversary edition. Having announced the first wave of bands back in September, the lineup was already huge, with the likes of Good Charlotte, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday emblazoned at the top of the poster.
However, many fans were left with one lingering question: what about the heavier music? For years, Slam Dunk has been a hub for a wide range of alternative subgenres. Pop-punk? They’ve got you covered. Ska? No problem. Metalcore and hardcore? Usually, yes, but this time around, many noticed the lack of heavier acts in the initial announcement. It left fans wondering whether Slam Dunk would still represent that side of its identity, or if it was doubling down on its pop-punk roots.
The first announcement still carried plenty of weight, boasting some massive exclusives. Good Charlotte revealed that the festival would mark the beginning of their next chapter as a band, Sublime announced their long-awaited UK debut, and Taking Back Sunday confirmed they’d perform Louder Now in full. Add to that a host of returning favourites, including Hawthorne Heights and Goldfinger, and it was already shaping up to be a stacked bill. But if there’s one thing Slam Dunk fans know, it’s that the festival always keeps a few surprises up its sleeve in the months leading up to the event.
And today, one of the biggest surprises yet has arrived. Responding to fan demand, the festival has unveiled “The Harvest”, a brand-new area dedicated to heavy music. Spanning two side-by-side stages with no clashes between acts, “The Harvest” promises a seamless experience for metalcore and hardcore fans alike. The lineup announcement was stacked: with Knocked Loose and Malevolence seemingly positioned as stage headliners, the pull is strong, but it’s the undercard that really shines. Dying Wish, Heriot, Static Dress, and Pest Control are among the rising names set to trade off sets throughout the day.
For many, “The Harvest” alone could stand as its own festival, and when combined with the wider Slam Dunk lineup, it places the event in an incredibly strong position heading into 2026.
This year, more than ever, Slam Dunk seems determined to play to the strengths of every corner of alternative music. Befitting of a 20-year milestone, it’s no wonder that so many names, both big and small, are set to descend on Hatfield and Leeds next May. Slam Dunk has built a legacy that’s special to countless fans, and two decades in, it shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, it’s only just getting started.
Slam Dunk Festival takes place May 23–24, 2026, in Hatfield and Leeds. Tickets are available here.