There’s no denying that Slam Dunk is the UK’s annual pop-punk pilgrimage; with Good Charlotte set to headline, this evening's Leeds edition will see thousands howling along to The Anthem. However, this year, the genre’s grittier cousin has also lured in a pack of rabid devotees – hardcore punks Knocked Loose are set to rig up their glowing crucifix come sundown, and the masses are ready to bark, spin-kick and soak up the chaos.
As the gates open, some punters are lured in by Beauty School’s bouncy, emo gloom emanating from the Main Stage West, but hoards of hardcore gremlins are beelining for Main Stage East. Today, the festival’s second Main Stage is a hardcore haven, kicking things off with Leeds’ own Pest Control. Fronted by the formidable Leah Massey, the crossover-thrash pack are here to serve up some “FUCKING HARDCORE” – and they mean it. They have fans surging round in wild circle pits in spite of the sweltering midday sunshine, effortlessly luring in idle stragglers to run full-pelt into the madness.
