BELLA’S 2024 ALTERNATIVE FESTIVAL GUIDE: PART 1

SLAM DUNK, DOWNLOAD AND 2000TREE’S | BELLA PROUDFOOT

With spring in the air and summer around the corner, the nation is preparing themselves for yet another festival season and for those with a more alternative taste, it’s setting up to be a summer for the ages.

Slam Dunk Festival: 25th May – Leeds / 26th May – Hatfield

Kick starting strong in May with Slam Dunk festival, showcasing a plethora of beloved bands and artists from the Kerrang! days with All American Rejects, We The Kings and Boys Like Girls alongside newer acts on the scene with the female led, undeniably talented Pale Waves.

Already one of the alternative scenes go-to festivals, this year Slam Dunk has another two major reasons you won’t want to miss it. After recently announcing their disbandment, You Me At Six are headlining with what will be the final UK festival which promises to be a poignant farewell and undoubtedly a highlight of this years Slam Dunk. For many fans, it will be a chance to bid farewell to a band that has been a significant part of their lives for over a decade.

And that’s not the only treat Slam Dunk has in store for its festival goers, amidst the excitement surrounding the upcoming festival, fans were taken by surprise with the announcement of an exclusive reunion show by Mallory Knox. Disbanded in 2019, the British rock band reunite for this special event and marks a significant moment for both the band and their dedicated fanbase. As they take to the stage once again, it’s a chance for fans to relive the magic of Mallory Knox’s music and celebrate the impact they’ve had on the alternative music scene.

Things to know:

Slam Dunk offers an exclusive app for the festival, disregarding the need for a physical map or having to remember different set times. (TIP: After installing the app, take screenshots to keep on your phone in case you lose signal at the festival)
Bags are allowed into the festival as long as they’re A3 sized or under. Each bag will be thoroughly checked by security upon entrance.
Slam Dunk is a day festival and doesn’t cater for camping, attendees must either book external accommodation before the festival or organise their means of transport to get home after the festival ends.
The festival gates open at 9am with main arena opening later at 11am.
The festival ends around 10:30-11pm.

TICKETS AND FULL LINE UP DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Download Festival: 14th-16th June – Donington Park, Derby

Download Festival is back and bigger than ever before for 2024! Merely two weeks following Slam Dunk, people across the country will be cleaning off their wellies once again in anticipation for the biggest and most beloved festival for the punk, rock and alternative scene: the iconic Download Festival.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Donington Park and standing tall as the premier destination for rock and metal enthusiasts, Download promises an electrifying line-up featuring Avenged Sevenfold, Queens of the Stoneage, Fall Out Boy as headliners sure to bring epic performances, and an atmosphere charged with the energy of thousands of passionate fans. This year’s festival comes with even more anticipation as it announces a major comeback show for the incredible American metal band Pantera, who will be heading the Opus stage, marking their first UK appearance in twenty years!

This years festival is absolutely unmissable for anyone in the scene, amid the unforeseen Pantera announcement and countless major acts on the line-up across three stages, there’s something for everyone at Donnington Park this June. Get ready to witness some of the biggest names in rock and metal take to the stage for unforgettable performances. Hosting legendary acts to rising stars, Download Festival 2024 boasts a line-up that caters to every preference. There’s something truly special about the atmosphere at Download Festival. It’s a place where music lovers from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passion for rock and metal. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm and excitement for the music. Whether you’re swapping stories with fellow fans, exploring the festival grounds, or soaking in the sights and sounds of the performances, Download Festival is a place where memories are made and friendships are forged.

Things to know:

Download Festival takes place over a weekend and therefore attendees are welcome to camp if they choose to, though this festival is renowned for heavy rainfall so be sure to pack lots of dry, comfy (spare) clothing, towels and if possible, a gazebo to pitch over your campsite to keep yourselves and your belongings dry.
Similarly to Slam Dunk, Download Festival offers a smartphone app where you can plan your preferred performances and plan out set times.
While Download is known for how friendly the festival goers are, as with all festivals theft will likely be in operation therefore be sure to keep any valuables on your person, in a onsite locker (usually costing around £30 for the weekend) or decide whether you really need to take them at all in order to avoid theft.
Download Festival is predominantly cashless. If you’re hoping to buy merch or try out any of the amazing food/drink stalls, be sure to take your debit card or have your card ready to go on your phone wallet or smart watch.

TICKETS AND FULL LINE UP DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

2000 Trees Festival: 10th-13th July – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Set amidst the picturesque Cotswold Hills in Gloucestershire, this beloved event has become a staple in the summer calendar for music enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. As the festival gears up for its latest edition, expectations are high for another unforgettable celebration of music, community, and sustainability. One of the defining features of 2000 Trees Festival is its commitment to showcasing a diverse array of musical genres, from indie rock and alternative to punk and folk. The line-up for 2024 promises to continue this tradition, with an eclectic mix of established acts and emerging artists gracing the stages.

Headliners such as Don Broco, Boston Manor, and The Gaslight Anthem are set to deliver electrifying performances, joining them is an impressive roster of bands and solo artists, including rising stars like Dead Pony, Fangs Out and Katie Malco ensuring there’s something for every musical palate. In addition to its musical offerings, 2000 Trees Festival stands out for its strong environmental ethos. As its name suggests, the festival is deeply rooted in nature, with organisers placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious practices. From the use of compostable food containers to the promotion of public transportation and carpooling, every aspect of the festival is carefully curated to minimise its environmental impact. Attendees are encouraged to embrace a “leave no trace” mentality, ensuring that the beautiful landscape of Upcote Farm remains unspoiled for future generations to enjoy.

Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or attending for the first time, there’s a sense of camaraderie and connection that permeates the event.

Things to know:

Keep an eye out for blackboards dotted around the festival grounds as line-up changes and secret sets are exclusively announced on them.
Unlike many other festivals, there is no separation between stages and the campsites meaning attendees are able to take their own food and drink to the stage areas and don’t have to purchase from vendors if they prefer.
2000 Trees is a cashless festival so be sure to have a debit card on hand or your card connected to your smartphone ahead of the festival.
Due to being in a hilly environment, phone signal is usually quite weak – there is free festival wi-fi goers can connect to but depending on where you are in the site depends on the strength. Be sure to make contingency plans with your group to avoid losing each other.
2000 Trees boasts multiple stages that unlike other festivals, can be commuted from one stage to another in under two minutes.

TICKETS AND FULL LINE UP DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE

The next instalment includes:

Rebellion Festival: 1st-4th August, Blackpool.
Y Not? Festival: 2-4th August, Derbyshire.
Boomtown: 7th-11th August, Matterley Estate (Winchester).
Leeds/Reading Festival: 21st-25th August, Leeds/Reading.

BELLA PROUDFOOT