Festivals
10th - 12th July 2025
Unavoidably beautiful and immeasurably joyful, it remains the absolute highlight of the festival season each year.
In the heart of the social hub at 2000trees stands a tree, positioned between what have become the festival’s most prominent stages: The Axiom (a nod to Cheltenham’s musical legacy) and The Cave. Over time, it has played many roles; a shelter during rain, a shaded area, a well-known meeting point, and perhaps the backdrop for the UK’s best unofficial party. For this writer’s group, it has become a yearly focal point—“Meet you at the tree” is now nearly as commonly said as “can you hold this for a second” during the weekend. More than just a landmark, this tree symbolizes something deeper about the South West’s fantastic boutique festival. It represents its location, nestled among the 1,999 other trees that give the festival its name, and reflects its consideration for the environment. There truly isn’t anywhere else that encapsulates the overall wellness of nature while showcasing some of the UK and beyond’s fiercest live performances. One moment, it’s hard to comprehend the authentic tranquility emanating from the Gloucestershire fields while hardcore pioneers Million Dead make their comeback, or La Dispute delivers their passionate spoken word. That’s part of the appeal. Numerous articles have celebrated 2000trees over nearly twenty years, all emphasizing its immersive escapism, care for attendees, and, most importantly, its genuine love for music. The 2025 lineup exemplifies this, featuring the festival's signature mix of underground icons, main-stage favorites, and unexpected surprises. This year’s standout is Thursday headliner Kneecap, with the festival remaining resolute in light of recent controversies and developments. This anarchic energy complements 2000trees’ overall ethos and provides a meaningful contrast to its typically surreal atmosphere.
Other main acts reside in the more conventional alternative genre but are equally celebrated, with Friday’s headlining duo of Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria representing a dream come true for emo enthusiasts. Both acts are met with enthusiasm and lively sing-alongs, especially TBS, whose somewhat softer volume is easily overridden by enthusiastic fans relishing a set packed with beloved songs. This acclaim also applies to PVRIS, whose melodic pop-rock creates a vibrant early evening experience, and to Saturday’s main-stage closers Alexisonfire, who dominate with a hits-laden setlist. Standout moments abound, such as Big Special, the Black Country duo making waves following their outstanding ‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’ LP. Press Club’s Natalie Foster captivates the crowd during the concluding moments of ‘Suburbia’ in a thrilling early afternoon main stage performance, while FIDLAR blurs the line between concert and celebration for one of the most exhilarating sets at any festival this summer. Is there anything more enjoyable than chanting the iconic line from ‘Cheap Beer’ under the scorching afternoon sun? We think not.
The Forest stage has consistently been the festival’s best-kept secret, and in a year with virtually no cloud cover and temperatures reaching 30 degrees, the shade from the trees draws in even the most fatigued attendees seeking relief. But all eyes turn to Frank Turner, a 2000trees staple, as he takes the stage for a full rendition of ‘Love, Ire & Song,’ and it seems the entire audience converges on this hidden oasis. It must be said, ‘Long Live The Queen’ remains one of the greatest songs ever crafted. After all the stage magic concludes, it’s time to gather at the tree for the renowned silent disco, a delightful bonding experience that engulfs the festival site each evening throughout its four days. It has been expressed before and will be reiterated, but no one has truly experienced a silent disco until they’ve been part of the 2000trees event. It is beautifully inevitable, immeasurably exhilarating, and continues to stand out as the quintessential moment of festival season each year. As has become the tradition for 2000trees—and for the many thousands of attendees at Upcote Farm—there is no better way to wrap up the weekend.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Seasoned producer Fejká returns with a new album titled 'Azur,' reflecting his ongoing passion for both the natural world and the EDM scene.
Yves Tumor and NINA, a musician from bar italia, collaborate on a new track titled 'WE DONT COUNT'. Yves Tumor stands out as a significant talent in unconventional R&B, with the
The Antlers are set to release their new album, 'Blight', on October 10th. This marks the band's first album in four years, which was crafted at their own speed, following
FLETCHER exchanges sparkle for authenticity in her most revealing album to date, ‘Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?,’ offering a raw, acoustic confession that courageously explores themes of identity, heartbreak, burnout, and radical self-love, demonstrating that the softest voices frequently convey the most profound truths.
Øyafestivalen has subtly established itself as one of the most forward-thinking city festivals in Europe, and this year's lineup is arguably the most thrilling to date. Taking place in the
UK rapper Jim Legxacy has announced his intentions for a complete headline tour. He is a mysterious presence in the British music scene, yet the strength of his artistry, and
Incredibly unavoidable, profoundly euphoric, and consistently the pinnacle of festival season each year.