After rescheduling several times due to the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic, Slam Dunk Festival will finally take place in September for the first time since May 2019. There have been several changes to the lineup where certain artists can no longer make it, but organizers have ensured that every replacement has been just as good. For those attending, this will be a unique experience that will go down in history.

Don Broco will headline this year’s festival at the usual two locations of Leeds and Hatfield — the former on Saturday, September 4, and the latter on Sunday, September 5. All previously booked tickets for the original May 2020 date will be honored for the rescheduled events, and organizers are going out of their way to ensure fans’ and artists’ safety. Entry for attendees over the age of 11 will require ONE of the following:

• Proof of a negative lateral flow or PCR test result logged within 48 hours of the event
• Proof of immunity based upon a positive PCR test result, clear of the ten-day isolation period, logged within 180 days of the event
• Proof of double vaccination, with the second dose received at least 14 days before the event

There’s something for everyone at Slam Dunk, and, despite the restrictions, this year will be just as exciting as ever for music lovers. Artists such as metalcore powerhouse While She Sleeps, genre-bending trio Waterparks, and pop-rockers Mayday Parade will also play, bringing an incredible variety to the weekend.

The Punk In Drublic Stage is back this year after its success in 2019, seeing Fat Mike of NOFX‘s music and beer festival team up with Slam Dunk to showcase some of the best punk and ska. The stage will, of course, be headlined by NOFX, joined by a whole host of time-honored talent: Alkaline Trio, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Pennywise, The Skints, Zebrahead, Capdown, Snuff, Days N Daze, and The Baboon Show. Some of these artists are brand new additions to this stage, too, stepping in for several U.S. artists that have had to pull out due to COVID travel complications.

There’s also an array of smaller artists on the bill who are not to be missed. Notable examples include Vukovi, who last month had their latest track ‘Hurt’ premiered by BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac, and Static Dress, who bring a fresh take to the emo and post-hardcore of yesteryear. 

Fans may be disappointed that former co-headliners Sum 41 have pulled out so close to the date, as well as bands like Four Year Strong and Crown The Empire. Still, the homegrown talent brought in to replace them, such as fan favourites Creeper and hardcore punks Brutality Will Prevail, will make this a Slam Dunk to remember. In addition, for those choosing to attend the festival still this year, instead of asking for a refund, you will receive early access and a discount on tickets for the 2022 edition of the festival.

Slam Dunk Festival needs music fans to rally together more than ever this year to ensure they have a future. “Your support directly contributes to so many people staying in a job,” organizers said in their statement released yesterday. “It may not be what we originally planned, but it will still be Slam Dunk Festival.” See you in the pit!