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.
Here's your first look at the new and improved TESTBED music venue in Leeds city centre.
Gearing up to relaunch this September, the landmark Leeds venue will reopen its doors to showcase permanent structural improvements and major upgrades across sound, lighting and overall customer experience.
With a capacity of a very impressive 2,500, there's no denying that TESTBED is preparing to relaunch at the forefront of Leeds’ vibrant creative culture.
The venue is expanding from 10,000 sq ft to 23,000 sq ft, guests will now enter through a new lobby where they can enjoy a brand-new 5,000 sq ft mezzanine level with customisable seating and a view of the dance floor from a brand-new balcony.
Image: Supplied
There will be a new upstairs bar that will continue TESTBED’s commitment to support local brands and suppliers.
Downstairs, the custom-built stage allows for a 360-degree crowd and a room two is also underway for a 2027 reveal, creating a multi-purpose space and chill-out area.
Image: Supplied
The newly designed lighting includes multiple moving lights and strobes, together with a large LED ceiling installation and bespoke under-balcony display of LED strips and curves, complemented by a high-res 8m x 4m LED video wall.
Guests will also keep cool thanks to significant upgrades to ventilation and air circulation, with powerful high-capacity fans creating a fresher, more comfortable environment throughout.
Image: Supplied
Now onto the important stuff... the portaloos are gone and replaced by four brand new toilet blocks, doubling capacity and of course - comfort.
So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you on the dance floor at the brand-new TESTBED when it opens its doors again this September.
Full lineups and opening details will be announced soon, we'll keep you posted as and when we find out more.
Nostalgic rock icons Weezer announce huge arena show in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
Weezer have announced a massive gig in Leeds as part of an upcoming arena tour, celebrating a brand-new album release.
The nostalgic rock icons will be playing at the First Direct Bank arena next spring, alongside gigs in UK cities including Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow.
The American rockers have announced The Gathering 2027 World Tour and released the music video for C.E.O, starring Tony Hawk, Curry Barker, and more.
They’ll also be releasing a self-titled new album, Weezer, on 21 August, which Rolling Stone has already called ‘one of the best Weezer albums of this century’.
It’s set to be their 20th (twentieth!!!!) studio album, joining chart-topping records like Make Believe, Maladroit, and the Green Album.
Weezer will be performing hits from their huge back catalogue, including Buddy Holly, Hash Pipe, and Say It Ain’t So.
The huge tour will kick off in the States in February next year before heading across to Japan and Europe.
And Weezer will have some huge support in the form of fellow American rock group, Taking Back Sunday.
Weezer will be performing at the First Direct Bank arena on Monday 17 May 2027.
You can pre-order the new album from the Weezer webstore before 3pm on Monday 10 August to get pre-sale access.
Weezer, The Gathering World Tour – UK and European dates in full
Wed 12 May – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
Fri 14 May – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena
Sat 25 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Mon 17 May – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
Wed 19 May – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Fri 21 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Sat 22 May – London, UK – Alexandra Palace
Sun 23 May – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
Tues 25 May – Paris, France – Zenith
Wed 26 May – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – AFAS Live
Sat May 29 – Oslo, Norway – Spectrum
Sun 30 May – Stockholm, Sweden – Hovet
Tues 1 June – Helsinki, Finland – Veikkaus
Then the general sale begins from 10am on Friday 14 August, with tickets on sale HERE.
Danny Jones -
26th May 2025 
