Self-professed eternal fan girl and lover of all things rock, it is somewhat impossible for me to decide which is the best music festival I have been to. Just think of that one friend you have that never outgrew their teenage emo phase, take away the Avril Lavigne-esque stripy gloves and studded belts horded from Claire’s accessories, and that’s my music taste right now.
I have particularly fond memories though of attending Slamdunk Festival over the years. Hosted in Leeds’ Millennium Square and across various city centre venues including the 02 Academy and First Direct Arena, for one day only each summer an array of bands take over our Northern abode. All Time Low, my all time favourite band, headlined the first Slamdunk I attended back in 2012, and more recently You Me At Six in 2015 and Panic! At the Disco in 2016. With acoustic sets and various stages dedicated to different genres, there’s bound to be something for everyone- from the first-time festival goer to the dedicated metal fan.
The festival organisers offer Mega Tickets for die-hard fans wishing to attend Slamdunk at all three locations over the weekend (Slamdunk North, South and Midlands), as well as afterparty tickets with access to the post-headliner club night. With tickets costing only £44 for the entire day, this festival is such good value for money that I return year after year, and am looking forward to seeing Bowling for Soup headline to celebrate the end of exams this year!
I have also attended Leeds Festival, both as a volunteer and as a regular guest, and have really enjoyed both weekends. However, opting not to camp was the best option for us given the minefield of tents overlapping one another and the permanent state of clutter of the site- some people do have a fab time camping though so possibly worth a try if you’re willing to overlook this! As a HotBox volunteer, a separate campsite is provided which is much more spacious, with facilities such as hot water, showers and hot meals. As a girl who just needs her luxuries, this was perfect, allowing us to give something back to the festival that we have enjoyed over the years through aiding festival-goers with putting up tents, finding their way around the site and generally staying safe, whilst still getting to see our favourite bands over the weekend. Biffy Clyro and Sleeping with Sirens were particular highlights for us, although we did have to watch the Red Hot Chilli Peppers throughout our volunteer shift over a sea of multicoloured tents!
You can find out more about the volunteering opportunities available at various music festivals through HotBox here at www.hotboxevents.com/about/