Adam Vallely
June 18, 2026

Slam Dunk South, Hatfield Park 2026: The Review

As the world burns, quite literally on this day with the sun glaring down from above, anyone aged 30 or above (and maybe younger) who enjoys pop-punk is probably in Hatfield downing a beer and forgetting their woes and bad backs as they come together for Slam Dunk 2026. Words by Cece Lawless & Adam Vallely.

unpeople

Those brave enough to meet the midday sun on a beautiful day in Hatfield are very much rewarded for the sun burn to come with a scorching set from the hottest quartet right now. unpeople ‘waste’ no time bringing the energy and high spirits to the day, playing their debut EP in full, two equally bangerific new tunes, ‘clouds’ (live debut) and ‘Kangareuben’ (definitely a nod to Lenman and co.). The already sweaty mob watching on sings every word they know back, setting the scene for an excellent day ahead of choruses and riffs all round.
Closing out with the stone-cold killer ‘the garden’, a circle pit ensues with dust swirling; guitarist Luke Caley is raised aloft a crowd member’s shoulders triumphantly. It has been said a lot, but if you haven’t caught unpeople live already, do it now! – AV.

Cancer Bats

Celebrating 20 long years since they birthed their gigantically long career, Cancer Bats return to the U.K., which always feels like a second home to the veterans. Unfortunately, having an earlier slot, they can’t celebrate their debut LP in all its glory but manage to squeeze in seven favourites such as ‘Pneumonia Hawk’ and ‘Shillelagh’. Joints may be a-clicking on and off the stage, but the fierceness behind their performance keeps the set well oiled, along with the gallons of beer being consumed across the crowd. Closing out with ‘Hail Destroyer’, Cancer Bats continue to prove that rock and roll isn’t just a young person’s game; all ages can enjoy! Let us all hope they continue for another twenty. – AV.

Static Dress

Static Dress arrives on stage without warning, provoking an immediate jolt of energy to Slam Dunk’s right-hand side, Main Stage East. Vocalist Olli Appleyard (notably wearing a DVD logo belt buckle) instantly has the crowd waving its arms. The crowd engagement is relentless throughout, and with Cookie Monster and Elmo making an appearance while crowd surfing, all sensibility is thrown out. At one point, Appleyard quips, “If you’re standing still, I assume you like President,” a line that is met with shocked faces and giggles in the audience. When the order comes to form a wall of death, the audience obeys without hesitation. Static Dress helped bring the fun. – CL.

Guilt Trip

Guilt Trip triggers a mosh pit the second the first chord strikes, setting the tone for a set defined by utter chaos. Security puts in a serious shift as a constant stream of crowd surfers pours over the barrier. As if the energy wasn’t high enough, frontman Jay Valentine bellows, “I need everybody to get up and down,” and the crowd responds in unison, bouncing to his command. Valentine two-steps and high-kicks across the stage while the rest of the band headbang with unrelenting intensity. At the front one heroic fan clutches a bottle of wine in one hand while helping to hold crowd surfers aloft with the other. This metalcore band sounds larger than ever off the back of long European tours and playing in bigger venues, and it’s polished their live act up immensely. – CL.

Saosin

If good vibes could be bottled, Saosin would own the factory. The crowd is singing along and smiling through every chorus while the sun is in full effect and beating down. It is swelteringly hot, and luckily the atmosphere feels noticeably calmer than during the day’s heavier sets. Their performance provides a welcome respite from the surrounding chaos without sacrificing any of the energy. When the vocalist asks who has never seen the band before, a surprising number of hands shoot into the air. The moment they launch into ‘Voices’, the audience erupts, carried by a huge sound that feels every bit as epic as the occasion deserves. – CL.

Motion City Soundtrack

“I’m on fire and now I think I’m ready to bust a move” – lyrics written by which Minnesotan band for $200? Yes, you are correct. Motion City Soundtrack are here and singing maybe about our feelings, maybe about the heat. Who knows? But certainly everything is alright when these pop-punkers are in town. Another classic set from a legendary band, something Slam Dunk has got right time and time again over the years. The slot suits them perfectly as the sun begins to set and people need a kick to keep them going into the night.

The future definitely is freaking many out right now, but in that moment in a field in Hatfield, Slam Dunkers are living their best lives. – AV.

Good Charlotte

Elder Emos rejoice as Good Charlotte delivers a set built entirely from fan favourites, each big hit landing exactly where it should. The band makes clever use of the enormous backdrop, with every song accompanied by visuals that create a distinct atmosphere. For example, a basketball court setting for ‘Little Things’ proves particularly effective and makes sure even those way at the back can see the show. Musically, they sound superb, balancing nostalgia with a performance that never feels like a victory lap. A barrage of fireworks, bursts of flame and arena-sized production elevate the spectacle far beyond a standard festival appearance. It is a set that understands exactly what the crowd has come for and delivers it with confidence and flair. – CL.

# Festival, Music, Noizze, Review, Slam Dunk Festival, Slam Dunk South