SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL

May 27th, 2023

Leeds, London UK

Ciara Wilkinson Insomnia Photographer

It's been 17 years since the first Slam Dunk Festival, what started a small single stage event in the centre of Leeds has grown into a staple of live music in the UK alternative scene, expanding every year now held on two days at Hatfield Park in Herefordshire and Temple Newsham in Leeds, with 7 stages and an impressive lineup of artists.

This year the festival kicks off at its south date in Hatfield Park, for many people in attendance this is what will kick off their 2023 festival season. With good weather spirits are high as the gates open.

With the task of opening this year's main stage is ZAND. With a crowd forming as festival goers arrive they easily catch people's attention with their amazing stage presence taking full ownership of the stage. A few songs in premiering a song [add title here] making their set extra special. ZAND kicks off the day with a bang.

Following up on the same stage is Vukovi, fresh off a performance at last night's HMAs and a win for best production for their recent album NULA. Opening with HADES the band did a great job at engaging the crowd which was slowly building. Encouraging movement and it wasn't long till pits started to form.

Over at the Kerrang tent US band Movements had a packed out crowd, making their slam dunk debut with the tent already full and people having to find a spot outside to try and get a glimpse of the band. Opening with fan favourite Third Degree the crowd of people at barrier were giving their all singing along. With a recently announced album and an explosive performance of new track Lead Pipe any people who may not have been familiar with the band will definitely be leaving the festival fans.

Back at the main stage Trash Boat are no strangers to the festival. Opening with fan favourite track Strangers they immediately got a response from fans in the crowd and it wasn't long till the crowd got moving. Vocalist Tobi's talent really shines, especially during a cover of Linkin Park's iconic track Given Up. It's very clear the band have many fans in the crowd, and today's performance ensures that when they next return to slam dunk they'll definitely have a new wave of fans coming along.

At the Dickies stage it's time for Slam Dunk royalty Zebrahead to take the stage. It's not exaggeration to say the band are 'the' Slam Dunk band having played almost every year since 2014 the band clearly feels at home at the festival and the size of the crowd shows why the band is always asked to return. From OG fans to young kids placed on parents shoulders the enthusiasm for the band is apparent. The band wasted no time running onto stage and bursting into track When Both Sides Suck, We’re All Winners. The joy from the crowd was almost radiating as the band fail to disappoint. Fully solidifying their title as slam dunk royalty and I'm sure everyone will be back again to see them next year.

At the key club stage there is another Slam Dunk debut from Scene Queen freshly winning the HMA for Best International Breakthrough Artist, you immediately see why. The high energy performance saw her take full ownership of the stage with a large crowd of fans shouting back the lyrics. The stand out of her set was the performance of her recent track 18+, the track calls out abuse within the music scene, something which seems to be far too uncommon. You can easily see the passion and emotion in this particular performance, with the singer making it clear her stance and thoughts on the issue. If Scene Queen wasn't on your radar before now, she definitely will be.

The Kerrang tent is full as people await Trophy Eyes' set, it's been 4 years since the band has played in the UK so it's no surprise the anticipation had built up. Despite the late start due to the band being delayed by traffic when they did take the stage it didn't dampen the excitement with the whole tent having their eyes to the stage, packs of loyal fans enthusiastically singing along on the barrier. The high energy performance clearly was worth the wait for the fans in the crowd, and hopefully it won't be as long as a wait for them to see the band live again.

While Real Friends have played the festival before, it's the first time for new vocalist Cody. Opening with the emotional track I’ve Given Up On You a chorus of fans sing along. Their set as well as showcasing some newer songs include some fan favourite older tracks. The emotion from the crowd alone stands out. It's clear these songs mean alot to many people here today. The band delivered a high energy performance leaving no fan disappointed.

It's Noahfinnce's second time at Slam Dunk. Full of energy on the Key Club stage with punchy pop punk songs which are right at home at the festival. He fully delivers the energy making his way round the stage with pure infectious joy performing. He definitely is someone to watch and it would be no surprise if he returns to the festival playing bigger stages.

The Kids In Glass Houses reunion has been highly anticipated since they were announced for the festival with the crowd at the main stage full of people waiting for the moment the band walk on stage. With some comedic irony Taylor Swift's We are never getting back together played through the speakers right before they took the stage. The crowd was deafening as the set started. It's clear this was a big moment from bands and fans alike, and as they played it felt like they had never left. With a stunning performance and a UK tour announced for the end of the year Kids In Glass Houses is back and the scene has welcomed them home with open arms.

Coming close to 10 years since they released their debut album PVRIS has had quite a career, returning to Slam Dunk in anticipation of their upcoming album Evergreen. Opening with newer track Animal vocalist Lynn naturally took to the stage making full use of the space. Her vocals were stunning and their performance on stage was full of power.

A new era of Creeper is a foot. After last year's performance at London's Roundhouse ended one era the band is reborn again. With the release of their newest track and a stunning performance at the HMAs last night the Kerrang tent was full of people waiting to see the start of a new chapter in this band's iconic story. The set opened with Hannah holding the severed head of vocalist Will high, a nod to their roundhouse show, before the rest of the band joined the stage jumping straight into Ghost Brigade. With a new logo displayed on the back of their jackets and both Will and Ian with a face full of fake blood today's set is full of the theatrics you would expect and love from a Creeper show. With a new album coming out later this year immediately followed by a UK tour this is an exciting time for Creeper's career and fans who are always coming along for the ride.

At the Dickies stage is Bowling For Soup the band 'who waves back at you' as vocalist Jaret puts it. The pop punk legends have a set with tracks spanning their nearly 30 year long career. Delivering high energy, some impressive pick throwing tricks and their staple humour you would expect from the band. They did not disappoint the huge crowd in attendance and with a sneaky announcement on a UK tour next year it's good news for everyone in the crowd.

Enter Shikari is one of the biggest things in UK music. Achieving many things in their career. Now with a number one album and an arena tour on the horizon the band are on the verge of even bigger things. Anyone who has seen Enter Shikari live before can testify for how spectacular their live shows are. Yet they always seem to set the bar higher each time and tonight's no exception opening with Set Me On Fire the stage flooded in stunning visuals as well as some perfectly timed fireworks on the stage the set started as it meant to go on. Tonight's stage production was nothing short of stunning, through the visuals and lighting design it complemented many parts of their set by helping to paint a story.It’s beyond clear so much care and effort has been put into every second on stage to provide a fully immersive experience to fans. With a set of both newer tracks and some older favourites there was something for every fan there. With some special appearances from Wargasm to perform their now award winning track The Void Stares Back and Cody Frost who made an appearance in the bands 'Quick Fire Round' to sing their hook from Bull. Closing the set to Dreamers Hotel with confetti streamers covering the crowd and fireworks after they have left the stage it proves to be the perfect end to the day.

Slam Dunk holds a special place in many people's hearts, from the bands, the fans and everyone working behind the scenes. Each year bringing a spectacular selection of artists from already established iconic artists to the newer acts who continue to grow in their careers. It becomes a perfect celebration of alternative music and it's no surprise why so many people return each year.