Nestled amongst the fields of Gloucestershire, the folks at 2000 Trees set about creating a new type of festival, one that was inclusive, open minded and committed to unearthing your favourite new band. Seven years on from its inception, 2000 Trees has firmly recouped on its promise. Musicians like Frank Turner  and Jay Jay Pistolet (aka Justin Hayward-Young of The Vaccines) as well as bands like Bombay Bicycle Club,  Pulled Apart By Horses and Frightened Rabbit all have gone on to find critical acclaim after being hand picked to play this homespun festival. This year, 2000 Trees returns with it’s most impressive line-up to date. Punktastic is on hand to walk you through our must see acts so that come rain or shine, you won’t miss out on a minute of good music. The festival takes place on 11-13 July.
A Long time friend of 2000 Trees (he played the festival in its’ infancy as well as headlining in 2010), Mr Turner returns to Upcote Farm as the Friday night headliner. With the recent chart success of his new album ‘Tape Deck Heart’ expect a roaring live show with sing-alongs guaranteed. An obvious choice but a goodun’.
Having just put out a record that will certainly be in line for best album of 2013, Surrey’s most loveable indie-rock band Stagecoach will help bring the goodvibes and dance moves to this year’s festival. With their infectious melodies, stagecoach know their way around a good tune. You’d be a fool (a fool I tell you!) to miss them.
Playing their last ever festival appearance (cue weeping) the formidable Fighting With Wire are bound to want to go out on a high. Signing off on a career that’s been filled with highs and lows, let’s bid these Derry lads the raucous goodbye they deserve.
With their dedicated following, rock legends Funeral For A Friend are one of the bigger names on this year’s bill. Relive classic songs from ‘Casually Dressed And Deep In Conversation’ as well as nearer favourites from their most recent album ‘Conduit’. Get their early cos this one is going to go off.
If all the fun of the previous bands leaves you a little worse for wear, then head to the main stage to catch the glorious Dry The River. Bringing a much needed dose delicate folkery, Dry The River are the perfect balance to all the head-banging fun.
In line to be the biggest things in rock, Hassle’s We Are The Ocean are going to destroy the mainstage.  By now competent pros at the festival game expect a good mix of new and old to warm up the crowd nicely.
Having been around for nearly a decade, This Town Needs Guns have been criminally overlooked. Their most recent release ‘13.0.0.0.0’ is a post-rock masterpiece. Cerebral, smart and under appreciated, finding bands like this is what 2000 Trees is all about.
Great songwriting is always at the core of 2000 Trees and their are numerous examples of that on the line-up this year. One such example is up and coming songwriter Andy Oliveri. If you’re into the likes of Ben Howard or Passenger than Oliveri will become an instant favourite.
Warming up those smart enough to buy early entry tickets is rock trio The Xcerts. The band who pull off the impressive feat of merging the intense ferocity of grunge with the lyrical sensitivity of Elliott Smith will be a treat to watch. Expect mosh pits and tears.
So, if after all that greatness, you’re still on the fence, a little bit scared of taking a gamble with a smaller indie festival then take our good word, there really is no better festival choice than the lovely 2000 Trees.
CLARA CULLEN