The bank holiday weekend festival is set to launch once again in less than three days, hitting the North (LEEDS) on Saturday, South (HATFIELD) on Sunday and Midlands (BIRMINGHAM) on Monday. With the festival running from 1pm-11pm (With afterparties till 3am), these are the things you should keep in mind before and during the festival
Set up a schedule and check out new bands.
50+ bands across 7 stages, there WILL be clashes. Be sure to set a schedule of the times and bands you wish to see. This can easily be done via the Slam Dunk Festival App. Also, don’t be afraid to check out bands you’ve never seen before. If you have free time, why not go to the Breakout Stage to check out some of the latest upcoming bands? Festivals are an easy way to discover new music quickly and easily, so make use of it if you can!
TIP: For bigger bands, give plenty of time to get to the stage before the act starts. Often, if a stage reaches full capacity there will be queues to get in, meaning you may not be let in when the band starts.
Only bring the essentials.
Security on all three venues this year is tight, meaning only one strap bags no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper are permitted into the venue. As this rule excludes backpacks, ensure to bring only the essential items for the day: Suncream, portable charger, money, ID and other essentials you may need for the day.
TIP: If you’re going to buy merch (honestly, who doesn’t) fold up a small cloth tote bag into your regular bag for later in the day
Bring enough money.
While some bars do take card payments, many merch stands and food stalls may only take cash. There are cash machines, however these often have long queues to save time, try and bring cash with you beforehand. Be sure to take enough money to suffice for the day and for travel to and from the festival grounds.
TIP: Bring coins along for quick drinks at the vending machines (venue dependant)
Keep hydrated.
Yes, water or drinks may be a bit more expensive at the festival itself, but it’s important to keep hydrated through the festival to avoid dehydration and other illness. Festivals aren’t as much fun in the medical tents. Also, food is expensive, eat before entering the festival to cut down on hunger in the grounds. Food does accommodate for vegans and non-vegans and while you can leave the festival, food areas outside the grounds (Specifically referring to MIDLANDS) may be just as expensive as inside.
TIP: If you’re desperate for water, some of the inside bars may give you glasses of tap water for free. However, this will vary from venue to venue.
Know your travel arrangements.
Over the bank holiday weekend, there are a few travel disruptions across the three dates which you can find below.
NORTH: Industrial action planned with a strike by Northern Rail train drivers. This will affect some lines in the Yorkshire Region
SOUTH: There will be limited trains leaving Hatfield station after the main festival ends (11pm) so ensure to leave promptly to fill the earlier trains. A queueing system will also be in place to avoid any overcrowding.
MIDLANDS: There will be no train service between Birmingham International and Birmingham New Street. Services between the two will be replaced by a bus service.
TIP: Plan your travel arrangements beforehand and make sure you have a backup in case you miss trains.
Maps for all three dates can also be found below:
Have fun and be safe!
Most importantly have fun and be safe. Crowdsurfing/stage diving and moshing are permitted but at the participants risk. “Slam Dunk as an organisation does not condone any of these activities and will not be held accountable for injury/loss of possessions as a direct result of such activities’. If you take part in these activities and are deemed to be causing potential harm to yourself or others, you may face eviction from the festival site.
Be aware that you are banned form bringing these items into the festival and they will be confiscated upon entry.
- Glass bottles
- Cans
- Flasks
- Cool boxes and hampers
- Flags and banners
- Helium balloons
- Studded belts
- Spiked bracelets/belts/neck collars/boots or jackets
- Trouser chains
- Sharp/large rings
- Flares and fireworks
- Smoke grenades
- Airhorns
- Large bags
- Laser pointers/Pens and glow Sticks
- Sharp objects, any items that could potentially be used as weapon
- Audio or Video recording devices such as iPads and tablets
- Selfie sticks
- Large umbrellas
- Parasols
- Tents
- Gazebos
- Any chairs including collapsible or any other item of furniture
- Skate board, roller skates, bicycles, hover boards
- Balls
- Frisbees
- Kites
- Barbecues
- Lanterns or anything that can be lit with a naked flame
- Drones
If you see anything suspicious or need help during the festival, talk to a steward, security or official found around the site.
EUPHORIA OF BREAKDOWN 