Slam Dunk Festival are determined for us to fall even harder for them with an exciting giveaway this Valentine's Day.
The much-loved music festival showcasing some of the world's best rock, metal, pop-punk and more, hosted over at Temple Newsam Park, is back for 2025 and with a lineup as good as any past edition, the clamour for tickets is understandably crazy.
Slam Dunk sells out with ease every year, meaning those who love a mosh often miss out on tickets. Fortunately, because they love their three UK bases so much, they're giving gig-goers in Yorkshire and beyond an extra opportunity to be there this year.
Teaming up with a trio of music shops, one of those being Crash Records here in Leeds city centre, fans have the chance to give themselves the best gift of all this Valentine's: an unforgettable weekend featuring some of the best live acts in the genre.
Love is in the air and we’re cooking up a treat for you…
We’ve linked up with record stores in Slam Dunk stomping grounds Leeds, Hertfordshire and London to give away some very exciting prizes to celebrate Valentine’s Day this Friday.@Crash_Records@EmpireStAlbans… pic.twitter.com/WVCRT81NLV
Spreading love with this special one-day scavenger hunt, tickets for this year’s festival will be hidden at record stores like Crash in Leeds, as well as London and St Albans.
All Ages and Empire Records will be joining our local institution in hiding away a select few sets of free tickets to Slam Dunk 2025, but the fun doesn't stop there.
Even those who miss out on weekend passes could stumble across other goodies including merch vouchers and a special 25 years of The Used double vinyl - one of many exciting names playing the outdoor festival this year.
The Slam Dunk '25 line-up includes other massive names like A Day To Remember, Neck Deep, Electric Callboy, The Used, New Found Glory, Less Than Jake, Mouth Culture, Hot Milk, Hot Mulligan and lots more.
Remaining the UK’s biggest independent rock festival, Slam Dunk really is a must-attend on the British live music circuit.
And, you know, it goes without saying that you should pick the North over the South every single time.
Thankfully, for now, there are still tickets left even if you don't manage to land a freebie, but we'd act quickly if you want to be there. You grab yours HERE.
Taking place at Leeds Temple Newsam on 25 May 2025, we cannot wait to relive the scenes from last year. Run it back:
Featured Images — Supplied/The Hoot
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Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
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New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Danny Jones -
12th February 2025 
