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For the last four years, Leeds has been the city to be in when it comes to May's bank holiday weekend. But, why, you may ask? Well, for Slam Dunk Festival, of course. After increasing both the venue's capacity, and the number of stages in 2009, the founders of the festival decided to take on an even bigger challenge: they made Slam Dunk Festival 2010 a two-day event, running in both Leeds and Hatfield Universities, spread over more than fifteen stages, with over fifty bands playing. And, a challenge it seems to have been.

After an allegedly disasterous opening day in Hatfield - where security ended up blocking entrances and exits to certain stages in a bid to protect ticketholder's safety - Organised-Sound saw their day begin in the airy and comfortably organised merchandise village. It should definitely be noted that this year's Slam Dunk North provided crowds with one of the best line-ups and ran completely smoothly; a huge improvement even on last year's attempt. And, as the sun shone outside, and people were allowed into the Leeds University Student Union, it was time for our music-filled day to begin.

Heading for a taster of the Vans Music Stage, The Skints open up the day impressively with their brand of unique reggae punk, whilst winners of the Kerrang Introducing stage slot, Francesqa, play the first set of the day in the main room. Drawing a decent crowd for such an early slot, the band show us exactly why they're rising through the ranks of UK pop punk so quickly. New single 'Ghosts' proves why they're ones to watch this year.

Meanwhile, after walking down two flights of stairs, past the Atticus stage, along three corridors, up another flight of stairs and past a questionably small toilet, we reach the Imperial Clothing stage: probably the most well hidden of the festival's offerings. More quickly than expected, the small room fills up and by the time Flood of Red take to the stage, there are people spilling out of the back door. And judging by their performance, rightly so. The Airdrie six-piece were a last minute addition to the bill, but their half hour set stands as a highlight of the day for many. They storm through tracks such as 'A Place Before The End' and 'Little Lovers'; their usually delicate and intricate music taking on a more powerful edge in a live environment. Old track 'An Hour Away' becomes riotous, and by the time the band finish with the incredible 'Home Run (1997)' frontman Jordan Spiers is in the crowd, whilst some audience members see fit to take to the stage.

By the time The Wonder Years are set to play the Relentless stage, the room is already packed and security outside of it are applying the rule that every festival go-er dreads: one in, one out. Standing at the back of the room, you can barely make out the stage, but it's undeniable that the crowd below are going crazy. In fact, you can barely even hear frontman Dan 'Soupy' Campbell sing above the sound of hundreds of voices. Their brand of brash and honest pop-punk is the opitome of this year's festival, and so, it's only apt that they receive such a heroes' welcome.

Heading outside after a triumphant edition of 'Hostels and Brothels', we're met with the slick sounds of Young Guns, currently gracing the Atticus stage, before ducking into a tiny bar room where Liam Cromby sits with just an acoustic guitar. The We Are The Ocean vocalist strums to a packed room, playing acoustic renditions of his own band's songs and genuinely, he sounds incredible. His voice is stunning and the whole thing seems a world away from the chaos of amps and decibels surrounding us.

Back upstairs, in what turns out to be a mosque, Sonic Boom Six are as energetic as ever. With such a varying mix of sounds - from the obvious punk and ska references, to a slight hip-hop feel brought to the table by Barney Boom - it's hard to pin them into one specific genre, but the huge crowd drawn seem unconcerned. Vocalist Laila K stands firm as a completely confident and commanding frontwoman, whilst remaining involved with her crowd, proving their live show to be one of the most fun of the day.

Downstairs, in the Relentless room once more, Fireworks are taking to the stage and, in a similar vein to their friends in The Wonder Years, they seem intent on tearing the small room apart. Highlights include 'Detroit', '2923 Monroe Street' and what looks like a police officer stood side of stage, singing along with every word...

Up on the Glamour Kills stage, Four Year Strong are proving to the jam-packed room exactly why they're one of the best pop punk bands of right now. Their set is full to the brim of 'greatest hits' - an extraordinary statement to make about a band that have only just released a second album - and it stands as a perfect warm up for tonight's headliners. 'Bada Bing! Wit' A Pipe' is still as anthemic as two years ago, and 'Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)' is a huge favourite, providing an opportunity for one of the best singalongs of the day. Ending with the incendary 'Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die', it's clear that this band are only going to get bigger.

With the evening drawing to a close, we are met with The Rocket Summer - headliners of the Relentless stage - who are facing some major technical problems. After a late arrival on stage, a room that is too packed for most people to breathe and several pieces of equipment that just won't work, we see Bryce Avary carry on to make the best of a bad situation. His genuine and uplifting music goes down well regardless, but it's just a shame that it all went a little wrong for him. Regardless, beauties such as 'Brat Pack' and 'So Much Love' are wonderful as ever.

Up a few stairs and down a corridor, Alkaline Trio are busy stunning their audience at the Atticus stage. With what can only be described as a no-nonsense entrance, the band launch straight into the classic 'Private Eye', before continuing with a set that any fan would adore to witness. Rolling out all the old hits - everything from 'Stupid Kid' to 'Radio', with even a rare addition of '97' - they seem almost untouchable, and solidify themselves as the true gods of punk rock.

But, would any band really be able to beat this festival's Glamour Kills headliners? Probably not. For well over a decade now, New Found Glory have reigned supreme as the best in pop-punk, and today, in 2010, they simply prove once more why they really are so fucking good. It's as a simple as that. Bursting at the seams with energy, frontman Jordan Pundik belts out the lyrics that have shaped so many of the audience's lives; heck, most of the bands here today would happily cite New Found Glory as favourites. And that is why tonight is so special. With a set that is truly deserving of the title 'their greatest hits', the band leap around the stage as though there's no tomorrow. Every song is an anthem, and with an absolutely huge crowd - both the room and VIP balcony is packed - the singalongs are perfect. Even when a fan is injured and forced to be rushed from the crowd, the band take it in their stride and simply begin an impromptu acoustic section. Finishing up with the iconic 'My Friend's Over You', the band return to full force and end Slam Dunk Festival 2010 with one of the best pop punk offerings we'll probably ever have the luck of seeing.