News

10 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Slam Dunk 2014

21st May 2014

We’re sending our resident ladies-wot-rock, Jess Kempner and Laura Johnson, down to Slam Dunk Festival this weekend to check out the ever growing weekender. They met over some cocktails (any excuse) to discuss what their definitive guide to Slam Dunk 2014 would be and spent the whole time reminiscing and getting excited over this year, resulting in the below guide to enjoying the weekend, relevant to whichever venue you find yourself at this year!

1. Watch out for the kids who are wasted at their first festival.
You can spot them a mile off, it’s the ones who didn’t pace themselves and drank in the queue at 9am, the ones that are passed out in the ladies loos and the ones in the shops buying all of the food at 5pm, with the awkward friend looking sad she was the one that had to deal with it. Always amusing, always good to remember it’s not you!

2. Keep an eye out for bands in the crowd, they’re fans of other bands too.
Always dreamt of meeting your favourite musical heroes or just the bragging rights from the selfies? Don’t forget they’re all people and Slam Dunk provides the perfect opportunity for bands to go and watch other bands as its one day and so well planned!

3. If it’s bands you want to meet, check out the signing tents.
At all 3 sites this year there will be a chance to meet and greet some of your favourite bands at the Atticus Tent, you can even get your merch/t-shirt/plaster cast/body parts signed too!

4. Errr…watch the bands, dummy
Yes there is a lot going on, and the bar is fun, smoking area is full of all your old friends, but what are you at Slam Dunk for if it’s not the awesome music that’s on, from All American Rejects, to Neck Deep, Bury Tomorrow to We Are The In Crowd, there will be something happening at all times!

5. Check out the stage times so you’re well prepared
Google a clash finder, make your own or just print off the stage times that we’ve announced here so you know who you can see when, and where!

6. Push your way into the full rooms
Yes, there will be some bands that will have a mega crowd, yes the weather forecast is set to be good, and it will be hot, but that shouldn’t stop you. Push your way in, get sweaty and don’t miss out on seeing some of the bands that in the smallest venues you’ll ever see them! Think; KIGH are playing Smart Casual in full, in a venue the size they would played when they first started out!

7. Stay for the afterparty
Obviously age appropriate, but the afterparty is where bands and revellers cause their own mischief dancing to their favourite music, all night long! With bank holiday weekend as an excuse, there’s no reason not to!

8. Don’t feel guilty about shopping
Bands need you to buy their merch, most of it is beautiful and Slam Dunk is the perfect place to bag a bargain. For the past few years not only have we picked up exclusive band merch but Vans Sunglasses and Macbeth shoes at prices that you wouldn’t believe!

9. Spend time watching bands you love with people you love, get off Instagram.
Twitter, facebook, instagram, tumblr. Live in the real world, and enjoy the music. Fine take a photo, but then put the phone away! Just remember, if you have to film something, everytime you film a band on your phone in portrait, a little part of the band dies.

10. Spot the bands that have had a few too many drinks before stage time
There are always one, whether they are rude to the crowd, making out with girls in the front row, or swinging from balconies and breaking people’s shoulders, there is always some drama from drunk bands!