Small Print Bands You Can’t Miss at Slam Dunk Festival 2026
We’re back with round two for Slam Dunk Festival, and this time we’re shining a spotlight on the small print, the rising stars ready to take over the main stage in the years ahead. Sure, the headliners get the glory, but it’s often the support acts that steal the show, and this year is no different.
Vukovi
Emerging from Scotland, Vukovi have forged a distinctive place in modern alternative rock with their explosive mix of heavy riffs, electronic textures and razor-sharp pop hooks. Fronted by the electrifying Janine Shilstone and guitarist Hamish Reilly, the band has earned a reputation for music that is both powerful and emotionally charged. With acclaimed releases such as ‘Fall Better’, ‘NULA’ and their latest, ‘MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN’, their momentum shows no signs of slowing.
We saw them absolutely smash a set last year at Hills of Rock, one of Europe’s hottest festivals, performing in 40-degree heat without losing an ounce of intensity. If they can deliver that kind of energy there, they can do it anywhere. We can’t wait to see them bring that same fire to Slam Dunk 2026!
Guilt Trip
The Manchester hardcore scene has exploded in recent years, overflowing with fearless talent and incredible energy. Leading the charge are Guilt Trip, whose intense, uncompromising sound has won them fans both locally and beyond. This year, they’re set to deliver an unmissable set at Slam Dunk Festival, promising grit, ferocity and pure adrenaline.
With the scene thriving and bands like Guilt Trip constantly pushing the boundaries, this is a moment every hardcore fan needs to witness. Their performance will be a live experience that perfectly captures Manchester’s unstoppable musical spirit.
Stand Atlantic
If you’re heading to Slam Dunk this year, Australian Stand Atlantic are an absolute must-see. Their sound blends punchy pop-punk energy with emotional lyrics and modern alt-rock elements, making them perfect for a high-energy festival crowd. Tracks like ‘NOSE BLEED’ and ‘deathwish’ hit hard live, with catchy hooks that get everyone singing along. Having not played the UK in a few years, this set feels even more special for fans who’ve been waiting for their return. Whether you’re into classic pop-punk vibes or newer sounds, they deliver big time.
Pest Control
Leeds crossover metal band Pest Control bring a completely different kind of chaos, trading polished hooks for pure aggression. Their sound is a ruthless collision of hardcore grit and thrash speed, built for circle pits and non-stop movement rather than singalongs. Songs like ‘Don’t Test the Pest’ and ‘Time Bomb’ feel explosive in a live setting, especially considering their breakneck riffs and pounding drums. With a rapidly growing reputation in the UK heavy scene, and Leah Massey leading the charge in a performance that feels urgent and refreshing at the same time, this set is about to blow your mind.
Static Dress
UK post-hardcore outfit Static Dress offer a darker, more atmospheric shift in tone, blending chaotic riffs with eerie electronics and cinematic emotion. Their sound leans into mood as much as impact and with this it’s creating a live experience that feels immersive as well as intense. Tracks like ‘clean.’ and ‘push rope’ build from haunting melodies into explosive releases, keeping the crowd locked in every moment. After a hugely successful tour with Paleface Swiss and Stick to Your Guns, they’ve refined their live show into something truly gripping, balancing chaos and control in a set that feels more exciting and unpredictable than ever.
Trash Boat
Trash Boat are a no‑brainer for everyone who loves pop‑punk. They always bring infectious energy and heart‑on‑their‑sleeve emotion to every performance. The band combines catchy melodies with punchy riffs and lyrical honesty, making songs like ‘Break You’ and ‘Strangers’ perfect for a live setting where crowds jump and sing along with ease. We caught them at The Underworld a while ago, playing a sold‑out show, and we still can’t get over how good they were live. Fresh off a recent UK/EU tour, they’re now headlining Deadbolt Festival in Manchester this weekend and their Slam Dunk set promises everything you’d hope for and more.
Angel Du$t
Angel Du$t have just started touring their latest release ‘Cold 2 The Touch’ and it’s shaping up to be one of the most explosive runs of the year. While there’s no full UK headline tour on the horizon just yet, apart from a one‑off show at the 100 Club in London right before Slam Dunk, this only makes their festival appearance even more unmissable. The new album delivers an intense shot of hardcore energy, packed with riffs that demand movement. Fast and loud, it’s exactly what you want when the pit opens up. Whether you’re catching them from the sidelines or diving into the action at Slam Dunk 2026, this is a band you absolutely do not want to miss. Get ready for the moshpit!