Slam Dunk Festival has had a couple of rocky years of late (if you'll pardon the pun), but one thing you can always count on is those in the North making the most of whatever hand they're dealt - and 2025 was no different.
It just so happens that this year's edition of the festival managed to avoid the increasingly typical rain and boggy conditions and, instead, gig-goers were finally treated to some pretty consistent sunshine, warmth and, most importantly, dry land.
We kicked the day off by trying to sprint through the gates to catch Movements, but even the early crowds had already started picking up so quickly that making it to the main stage proved a challenge.
However, we did manage to get a great lay of the land, with this year's festival site marking a noticeable improvement upon recent years in terms of layout extras besides the stages, with more food and drink vendors than ever.
After catching a few Rain City Drive tunes, we paid a visit to local Leeds legends Crash Records, who were slinging out signed LPs, bargain bin band tees for just a fiver and plenty more, before making a beeline for Hot Mulligan's set.
The Midwest emo archetypes didn't disappoint, both in terms of those instantly recognisable screeching vocals and being their usual silly selves on stage - we just wish they were given a longer slot.
It was also fun to just stop and look upon the sea of black that had descended upon the fields for the iconic festival every now and again, which only got better as the sun continued to drop.
Thank you Slam Dunk North 🖤
And thank you everyone for an amazing Slam Dunk Festival 2025 weekend.
— Slam Dunk Festival (@SlamDunkMusic) May 25, 2025
That being said, we did get a truly terrific, technicolour set from fellow Northerners Neck Deep, a.k.a. the pop-punk princes of Wales, who booked one of the main slots on the Main Stage West just a few short years on from playing the smallest one.
Now that's a narrative we can get behind.
For context, one member of our party (naming no names) had been a big fan for a long time but had never been to a solo show as he'd heard 'they're not that good live'; meanwhile, his Hoot tour guide for the day was on her ninth Neck Deep gig.
Unsurprisingly, the latter knew way better, and the former was proven a fool who was given some of the worst and most unreliable information on Earth. Let's just say I—sorry, THEY* will never make the same mistake ever again...
Not only were they on top form but frontman Ben Barlow made sure to use his platform to touch on important issues and "get just a little bit political", sending the crowds away with one key message:
There were so many bands we wanted to make more time before the first-world problem of having to choose between so many people's favourite bands all in one place will never be lost on us.
Last but not least, we got to see American rock giants A Day To Remember headline the night and, obviously, they drew the biggest crowds of the whole day.
Once again, it's our ultimate privilege to be invited along to festivals like this, and we always see Slam Dunk North as a very special celebration of all things alternative.
Here's hoping the rare Slam Dunk sun is a good omen for the rest of festival season; we can't wait to be 'Right Back at It Again' next year.
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in LeedsÂ
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Danny Jones -
26th May 2025 
