If you like any kind of Rock Music and you haven’t been to Slam Dunk; you have to change that next year!

So I hate to say this BUT this year was only my second ever time at Slam Dunk… And I do regret not going before but I’m so glad I’ve been the past two years in a row.

Each year this festival grows bigger and bigger, having originally started in Leeds, the festival is now held on 3 days across the North of England, South, and Midlands.

I went to the Midlands festival this year (as I did last year) and it was fantastic.

I’m a huge rock fan and it’s great to see so many rock genres in one place. Be it ska, punk, pop punk, indie, metal, and hardcore. You can even find acoustic sets by some of the acts too.

This year was incredible with headliners such as Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday! It was a real throwback to my youth; in the best way possible.

I’ve heard great things about all of the locations, and with South being the closest to London it’s strange I’ve not been to that one. But this year I happened to be at Speed Machine festival in the days before so it made sense as that was based in the Midlands. Plus I used to live in Cardiff and many of my friends still do, which is the reason I went to the Midlands location last year. It’s the closest location to South Wales. And I was SO happy to see SO many Welsh friends this year.

With Welsh bands like Brutality Will Prevail, Astroid Boys and newcomers Holding Absence; there were quite a few reasons for welshies to be in attendance.

Stand out bands for me were; Comeback Kid, Frank Carter and The Rattle Snakes, Every Time I Die, Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday, Four Year Strong and State Champs.

I had a great time full of great music, seeing lots of old friends and making new ones.

Here’s the outfit I wore:

Dress – Stussy

Jacket – Hand customised hand me down (men’s jacket). Buy a similar budget one from Boohoo Man here.  Or this more luxury version ready for patches to be added by Diesel here. 

Socks – Monki but sold out. Buy similar Diesel flame socks here. 

Trainers – Jordan 3 ‘Black Cement.’

Choker – Brick Lane Market. Similar here. 

Here’s a photo from the Press area overlooking one of my favourite bands; Comeback Kid.
I did actually go into the pit too, then I came back for a nice civilised viewpoint…

Frank Carter and The Rattle Snakes.

The Dangerous Summer

Holding Absence

Me and Lais with our friend and musician/tech Kyle (ex Astroid Boys, Mode Step) Currently on tour with Frank Carter.

We stayed at the Ibis ‘Styles’ Hotel in Birmingham which is really cute inside with lovely decor. 

The room had everything you needed like a hairdryer, hangers, a sofa, spare towels, a kettle etc and lots of space for two people.

Other similar priced Hotels often don’t have much spare space and you have to ask for things like a hairdryer rather than them coming as standard.

There was a long mirror and a smaller mirror in the bathroom so it was easy for both of us to get ready. The bed was really big and really comfortable and there were lots of charging sockets. Perfect for bloggers hahah!

Breakfast in the morning was great, and they got me some soya milk and gluten free toast which was really great. It’s hard when you are gluten free and vegan and traveling! So I had toast with jam and cereal and lots of fruit. and tea and juice also. Ample amounts to start the day.

The entrance and dining room were really well styled (no pun intended!) and felt really welcoming and comfortable.

I would 100% recommend staying there or in another Ibis Styles. 

The bedroom.

The dining room.

How cool was this chair in the entrance?

This is my bud Lais, she’s a PR and epic DJ.

I’m ready for more rock shows, festivals, and cute hotels!