Slam Dunk 2025: Northern Edition – A First-Timer’s Dive into a Pop-Punk Paradise

Image: @slamdunkmusic

This Bank Holiday weekend, Slam Dunk Festival made its much-anticipated return to the UK, and I finally got to experience the Northern leg of the event on Sunday, 25th May, at the iconic Temple Newsam in Leeds. After years of hearing rave reviews and watching from the sidelines with a serious case of FOMO, I decided it was time to dive headfirst—and it did not disappoint. As a first-time attendee, the festival delivered everything I’d hoped for: a day packed with anthems, high-energy performances, and a crowd buzzing with excitement.

One of the main reasons I’d never made it to Slam Dunk before was honestly down to nerves—I usually go to gigs solo, and the idea of spending an entire day at a festival alone had always felt daunting. But as it turns out, my worries were completely unfounded. No one cared—and I mean no one. I spotted plenty of other solo attendees, and those who came in groups were far too wrapped up in the music and good vibes to notice, let alone judge. The atmosphere was refreshingly inclusive, making it easy to relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Having been to other day festivals like Bludfest before, I had a rough idea of what to expect in terms of scale and energy, but there’s still something undeniably special about that first moment of walking through the gates. Despite knowing the drill, nothing quite prepares you for the rush of stepping into the heart of it all. By the time I arrived, Slam Dunk was already in full swing: bands echoing from every direction, the buzz of excited chatter, and thousands of festivalgoers fully immersed in the music. The atmosphere was electric from the get-go, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. However, I had to take a quick pit stop, first to the Monster Energy van—because it is Slam Dunk at the end of the day—I couldn’t say no to free monster—and then the merch tent. Monster acquired and new hoodie donned, it was time for what everyone was there for ... BANDS.

The first band I caught was the tail end of Knuckle Puck’s set over on Main Stage West, where they were celebrating their Copacetic album by playing it in full. I only managed to catch the final few songs—and, I’ll admit, I only recognised one of them—but their energy was infectious. Even with limited familiarity, it was impossible not to get swept up in the crowd’s enthusiasm. It was the perfect way to ease into the day and set the tone for everything that followed.

Sticking to the main stage, next up for me was my first highly anticipated act of the day—Movements. I’d seen them once before in a small Nottingham venue and was completely blown away by their performance, so I was buzzed to see how that intensity would translate to a much larger stage. Spoiler: they absolutely delivered. From the first note, their emotionally charged set captivated the crowd, proving that their sound hits just as hard—if not harder—on a major festival stage. Their set was a mix of the old, the new and the fan favourites, and I'm not ashamed to admit that a tear or two slipped out when they performed ‘Daylily’ as I was so caught up in the moment. I stand by the fact that this quartet is one of the hardest in the game right now and remains criminally underrated.

Jumping over to the other side of the venue, I caught a portion of Noah Finnce’s set on the Kerrang! Stage. I’d seen Noah once before at Bludfest the previous year, and one thing that stood out then—and still holds true—is just how hard his fans go. I was only able to stay for a few songs due to a scheduling clash with another must-see band, but even in that short window, the energy was undeniable. The passion flowing between Noah and the crowd was electric, raw, loud, and deeply connected. It was one of those sets where you didn’t need to know every lyric to feel the impact.

Image: @kaydargs

I may have sacrificed a bit of dignity sprinting across the fields of Temple Newsam to catch Hot Mulligan’s set back on Main Stage West—but honestly, no regrets. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. They’re one of my all-time favourite bands, and seeing them live is always an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. Hot Mulligan are true torchbearers of Midwest emo, delivering cathartic, heart-on-sleeve anthems that perfectly capture the chaos and beauty of being human. But don’t let the emotional depth fool you—between tracks, they’re just one awkward, self-deprecating joke away from undercutting the intensity, and I absolutely adore that balance.

Shockingly enough, it wasn’t long before I found myself back at the Kerrang! Stage—this time for a full-blown blast of emo nostalgia as As It Is made their triumphant return from the dead to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Never Happy, Ever After. Seeing Patty Walters live felt like a surreal full-circle moment that made my younger self internally (and maybe externally) scream.

The band launched into the set with all the angst, heart, and eyeliner you could hope for, instantly transporting the crowd back to the golden era of Tumblr pop-punk. Despite a medical emergency in the audience that led to the show being paused—a moment handled with care and professionalism by the band—the energy didn’t waver. If anything, it amplified the sense of community and connection in the crowd. Their return to the scene doesn’t just feel like a throwback—it feels earned, exciting, and well overdue. As It Is is back, and they’re louder, tighter, and more emotionally charged than ever.

Finally, as the sun started dipping lower, the moment finally arrived—Neck Deep took to the Main Stage, and it felt like the entire festival had gathered for it. From the very first chord, the energy was off the charts. This wasn’t just a set; it was a full-blown pop-punk homecoming. There’s something about seeing Neck Deep in the UK, on a stage like this, that just hits differently. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of crowd surfers, mosh pits, and word-perfect sing-alongs. Whether it was the punchy nostalgia of “December” or the relentless energy of “Can’t Kick Up the Roots,” every track landed like an anthem. Ben Barlow commanded the stage with ease, balancing heartfelt moments with cheeky banter—classic Neck Deep. The band sounded tighter than ever, but never over-rehearsed; they still have that raw edge that makes their live shows feel alive and unpredictable. It was the kind of set that reminded you why you fell in love with pop-punk in the first place—and judging by the sea of sweaty, smiling faces around me, I wasn’t the only one feeling it.

Overall, Slam Dunk 2025 was everything I’d hoped for and more for a first visit—a perfect blend of nostalgia, high-energy performances, and a community that makes you feel right at home. I can’t wait to do it all again next year.

LATEST POSTS: