Slam Dunk Festival confirms a director has stepped down following sexual assault allegations, weeks before its 20th anniversary dates in May 2026
Slam Dunk Festival is heading into its 20th anniversary under circumstances no one wanted. On Friday, April 24, the UK pop-punk and alternative festival confirmed that one of its directors had agreed to step down from operations following allegations that surfaced on social media earlier in the week. The festival did not name the individual in its official statement, but multiple outlets have reported that the director in question is Ben Ray, the festival’s founder, following accusations made publicly by British actress and showgirl Jenny Miller on April 23.
Miller posted to Instagram and other social platforms accusing Ray of sexual assault on multiple occasions, including an incident she described as occurring while she was incapacitated. Her post included a screenshot of an alleged conversation between the pair. She has since removed the post, stating on Instagram that police had advised her to do so and that she was “following their instructions” despite not wanting to take it down. The matter is now being investigated by police.
What the Festival’s Statement Said
Slam Dunk’s official response, released the same day, acknowledged the situation without naming those involved.
We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community,” the statement read.
Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority. While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing”
The festival described the situation as “an ongoing legal matter” and said it would be “inappropriate” to comment further at this stage, while pledging transparency to its community when updates become possible. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to a “safe, respectful, and inclusive environment” for all employees, partners, and attendees.
A Festival at a Crossroads Before Its Biggest Year
The timing is significant. Slam Dunk launched in 2006 and has spent two decades building one of the UK’s most loyal alternative festival audiences, hosting artists from Fall Out Boy and Paramore to Turnstile and Every Time I Die across its run. The 2026 edition, marking the festival’s 20th anniversary, is scheduled for May 23 at Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire and May 24 at Temple Newsam in Leeds. The lineup includes Good Charlotte in a European exclusive performance, alongside Knocked Loose, Sublime, Taking Back Sunday, Dashboard Confessional, Boston Manor, State Champs, Cancer Bats, Motion City Soundtrack, Hawthorne Heights, Driveways, and Tonight Alive. A band believed to be fronted by Busted’s Charlie Simpson is also set to appear. With the festival less than four weeks away, the board’s decision to move quickly on the director’s removal reflects an awareness of what is at stake both legally and reputationally. No further details about the ongoing investigation have been made public. The festival has said it will provide updates when appropriate.
