In an important message to festival-goers earlier this month, Slam Dunk shared of line-up changes and battling so many logistical issues right now: "To those who ask 'Why not just cancel?’ the simple answer is that if we do not attempt to do the festival this year, there might not be a next year. Many people don’t realise we are a small, independent company that revolves around, and relies upon, putting this festival on. Hundreds of other people, from staging, sound and light companies, food vendors, security, and the bands still ready and willing to play, are dependent on us to offer them a chance to work after 16 months of our industry being left for dead. Your support directly contributes to so many people staying in a job. The artists booked to play this year will not roll back another year, most already have their own tours and plans booked for 2022.
"Many will ask, 'Why don’t you replace artists with some big-name UK artists?’ believe us, we have already tried this at every available opportunity. Although you may look at a bands’ schedule and see they are free over SDF weekend, there are many reasons behind the scenes that could prevent an artist from playing…
"…For SDF21 to work we need our community to come together now – and we can only do this with your support. Hold onto your tickets, keep your travel plans in place, get your COVID tests or vaccinations sorted and defy the odds by making this happen. We want to say a massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has stuck with us and we can’t wait to see you at Leeds or Hatfield in just a few weeks.
"We are so close now, we will not give up… we all need and deserve this event.”