While it may be stating the patently bloody obvious, 2026’s edition of Slam Dunk is a pretty big deal. Who would have thought back in 2006 when the festival’s first edition debuted that, twenty years on, it would have gone from strength to strength, expanding from a single stage to the multi-stage behemoth it now is? So, it stands to reason that such a milestone deserves celebrating, and what better than some of the finest in pop punk, emo, metal, etc.? As Devolution gears up to join in the big birthday bash, we wanted to highlight some of the choice bands to catch across either edition this weekend.

Pest Control

11:40-12:10 – (Main Stage East, Left)

If you are hoping for a gentle start to your day, then Pest Control would like a not-so-quiet word. The Leeds hardcore noiseniks will provide a rude awakening to the uninitiated or ill-prepared with their brilliant brand of brutality, where the likes of “Enjoy The Show” will be welcomed with furious movement down in the pit. Shake off the stiffness in the limbs from the journey and get stuck in.

Heriot

12:15-12:45 (Main Stage East, Right)

The organisers of Slam Dunk knew exactly what they were doing when they planned to have Heriot follow Pest Control. Oh, how they must have laughed at the prospect of those early morning punters getting obliterated in the pits by among the heaviest acts of the weekend. “Imagine the early birds getting levelled by Heriot crushing ‘At The Fortress Gate’ – it’ll be hilarious!”, they must have said to themselves. You know what? Bring it on!

SiM

12:50-13:20 (Scott’s Key Club Stage)

Certain festivals will market themselves as having “something for everyone”, and while that is true of Slam Dunk, albeit restricted to rock music, Japan’s SiM may just embody that phrase unto themselves. By including genres as disparate as reggae and hip-hop in a nu-metal sound, the four-piece will doubtless bring a shed-load of energy and a party atmosphere to the day. Just try and keep up!

Trash Boat

15:15-15:50 – (Scott’s Key Club Stage)

On a weekend of celebrations, St. Albans’ rockers Trash Boat also have cause for celebration, as their debut album ‘Nothing I Write You Can Change What You’ve Been Through’ reaches a decade old. The band has promised something special to honour their breakthrough record, so if you were there back in 2016 – or became a fan in the ensuing ten years – get yourself along to commemorate the band’s legacy.

The Home Team

16:35-17:10 – (Scott’s Key Club Stage)

Renowned for their energy and vibrancy, Seattle’s The Home Team will make a special journey over to the UK just for Slam Dunk, hot on the heels of a tour in their homeland. While the band would have good reason to play their “feeling tired” anthem in “Love & Co.” as a result of their whistle-stop trip to these shores, you can expect a good time grooving away to their upbeat brand of rock in the (hopeful) summer sun.

Stand Atlantic

16:45-17:25 – (Monster Energy Stage, Left)

It is seriously impressive when a band can capture the zeitgeist of a genre from yesteryear, and that is something that Australia’s Stand Atlantic can lay claim to. To listen to the likes of “Lavender Bones” harks back to pop punk’s mid-2000s pomp, yet the band do not wallow in nostalgia; instead, they make it all their own. We will be down there with them, having the time of our lives.

Currents

17:30-18:10 -(Main Stage East, Right)

If you are partial to modern metalcore with a little progressive influence, then American maestros Currents should fit the bill. Heaviness, bounce and groove will keep things ticking along with aplomb – this should be a big one, on what will be the band’s debut Slam Dunk show. As the evening wears on, this could be just the sort of pick-me-up to bring the energy levels up for the rest of the evening.

Tonight Alive

18:20-19:05 – (Monster Energy Stage, Left)

Australia’s Tonight Alive have not been in the UK since 2018, when the band went on hiatus, only to reunite in 2024. The eight-year absence ends this weekend, and the sounds of “Temple” will sound so damn good being sung back by the inevitable sizable crowd that the band will draw. This will be a spectacle you should not miss.

Vukovi

19:15-19:55 – (Scott’s Key Club Stage)

With an intimate UK tour in support of their fourth album, ‘My God Has Got A Gun’, completed earlier this year to complement their larger one back in 2025, Scottish duo, Vukovi bring their brand of rock to a festival setting. Expect frontwoman, Janine Shilstone, to marshal the chaos and sing-alongs with gusto, while belting out the likes of “C.L.A.U.D.I.A” to a raucous reception.

Good Charlotte

21:00-22:20 – (Main Stage West)

One of the most widely celebrated bands in pop punk from the last three decades. The headline slot at a major festival. Their only European show in 2026. What else could you possibly need in order to convince you to go see Maryland’s Good Charlotte this weekend? While those of a heavier persuasion may prefer Knocked Loose on the other stage, with absolute bangers such as ‘Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous’, ‘The Anthem’ and ‘Girls & Boys’ amongst other classics from their thirty-plus year history, you needn’t look further for a fine ending to a riotous bank holiday weekend festival. See you there!

For more information: https://www.slamdunkfestival.com/

By Lee Carter & Rebecca Bush

Image By Rebecca Bush Photo