It may not be the biggest festival on the UK summer circuit, yet over the past years 2000 Trees has been moving from strength-to-strength, establishing itself as one of the key players. With its unashamed mix of genres, ranging from commercial indie to the heaviest of hardcore and metal, the festival is attracting bigger and bigger names to the middle of the western countryside. This year’s event, spread over two full days and one early bird mini-day, sees the likes of The Bronx and Trash Talk share space with main stage headliners Band of Skulls and Frightened Rabbit, with Jamie Lenman, Tall Ships, Canterbury, Arcane Roots and many more in the mix.
As with all festivals, 2000 Trees isn’t just about the bands either – although they obviously take precedent… we highly doubt anyone would pay as much to hang around in a field all day, but we could be wrong. Presenting itself as a mini-Glastonbury, there are countless little twists and quirks that help to improve the overall experience, and to underpin the line-up.
Whether you are planning on heading down this Thursday, Friday or Saturday, or whether you are new to 2000 Trees and wondering what it’s all about, here’s a few things that set the festival apart.
DZ Deathrays are playing on The Axiom on Saturday night.
Bands
There are a huge number of bands that should appeal to fans of homegrown and international alternative music. As late nights on the main stage focus on the lighter end of the indie spectrum – although still presenting bands that are renowned for their energetic and engaging live performances – the exciting talent can often be found over at The Cave, The Axiom or The Croft.
Friday sees Leeds based punks Brawlers and groove-punks Bleach Blood (complete with Tom Aylott of Punktastic fame on bass) take to The Axiom early on, before noise-mongers Baby Godzilla precede the awe-inspiring quartet of bands heading up The Cave – Turbowolf, Cerebral Ballzy, Trash Talk and The Bronx. If that’s not enough, the main stage sees The Computers, the excellent Arcane Roots and almost-defunct Welsh wonders Kids in Glass Houses amongst the mix.
Without letting up, the Saturday offers a British alternative to the stateside hardcore and punk of the previous day, with a rare appearance from Birmingham’s &U&I alongside Lonely The Brave, former Reuben frontman Jamie Lenman and The Blackout commanding The Cave. The Axiom hosts the ever-brilliant Icelandic singer-songwriter Dad Rocks!, and stage headliners DZ Deathrays hopefully playing some choice cuts from their ferociously schizophrenic new ‘Black Rat’ LP. That’s all before even glancing at the main stage which houses the likes of Blitz Kids, Canterbury and Tall Ships.
There’s also an acoustic stage out at the end of the main camping area which, over the weekend, is home to Sam Duckworth, Eugene Quell and Crazy Arm, alongside seventeen other artists.
Phew!
Bleach Blood are playing The Axiom on Friday afternoon.
Beer
You can interchange beer with any beverage of your choice here, but one of the major attractions of 2000 Trees Festival is their dedication to homegrown produce – including beer. At least in previous years (and we’ll see if this has changed), thirsty punters won’t be privy to the usual branded lagers and ciders, but instead will be sold a wealth of locally sourced refreshments.
There’s good news for those who don’t drink alcohol too – as with a number of small festivals, there’s no formal divide between the campsites and the arena, so you are welcome to return to your tent to grab your drink of choice without having to spend a disproportionate amount of money on staying hydrated.
Both of these things really help in making that music sound that entire bit sweeter.
Trash Talk are playing The Cave on Friday evening.
Camping
As part of its mini-Glastonbury charm, there isn’t so much a campsite as designated camping areas. This allows punters to camp as far into, or out of, the action as they desire. It’s debatable whether you are able to pitch your tent directly in front of the main stage – we’re not sure anyone would want to for obvious reasons – but it does add an interesting dynamic to the festival.
Latecomers often find themselves further up the top of the hill, but if 2012’s rain-ageddon is anything to go by, being up high is by no means a bad thing. It also puts you nearer The Croft, which is the choice location for a little relax and a break from the louder bands. It’s not exactly far to walk into the midst of things from anywhere on site either.
Arcane Roots are playing the Main Stage on Friday
That added extra
The Dude from The Big Lebowski carved out of wood leaning on a bar, Frank Turner serenading one lucky camper in the midst of tents, a candle lit midnight hidden stage in the woods… 2000 Trees Festival is more than just what the eyes first see. So whether you’re taking part in the site-wide silent disco (should it return after the last few years), or relaxing with friends outside of your tent – or of course something entirely different – keep those eyes peeled for the unique moments that make any festival that extra bit special.
We’ll see you down the front, at the bar, and everywhere else.
Jamie Lenman is playing The Cave on Saturday evening.
Like many festivals, 2000 Trees is a notorious signal black-spot, so live updates might be a little thin on the ground. For all possible coverage, and post-festival features, keep your eyes on #PTTrees.
