FESTIVAL PREVIEW: 2000trees Festival 2022

July 5, 2022 Pavel Kondov

Festival season has been in full swing for over a month now, and July’s calendar shows no sign of this slowing down. Between the 7th and 9th of July, fifteen-thousand fans will gather at Upcote Farm in leafy Cotswolds for the joyous occasion of the 2000trees Festival. After an enforced absence for two years, one of the most beloved independent festivals is set to return with a brilliant line-up across five stages. Distorted Sound will be there to cover all the action – here’s a taster to whet your appetite for the weekend’s innovative and diverse selection of artists.

Thursday 7th July

Main stage action begins bright and early, opened by eclectic Bristolians PHOXJAW, whilst later on, beloved Midwest-emo rockers THE GET-UP KIDS tug on our heartstrings, while Yorkshire trio DINOSAUR PILE-UP are sure to get the crowd jumping with their high-octane grunge. Glam goth darlings CREEPER have built a reputation for winning over festival crowds, and their Main Stage set is bound to be no exception. Over at the Axiom Stage, HOLDING ABSENCE and LONELY THE BRAVE will bring emotional catharsis with their affecting alt-rock.

Highlights at the NEU Stage come in the form of rising star CASSYETTE’s nu metal-tinged hard rock, and the punky occult rock of WITCH FEVER. Swedes ROYAL REPUBLIC will get the hips moving with their unique blend of garage rock and disco, before hardcore icons STICK TO YOUR GUNS stir up the moshpit. As ever, the Forest stage will be home to a multitude of intimate stripped-down performances throughout the day – festival favourite BEANS ON TOAST, and an ANTI-FLAG appetiser before their electric main course are only a small sample of the options on offer. The first day will culminate with American pop-punk legends JIMMY EAT WORLD and an assurance that everything, everything will be alright – even if you do go slightly too hard on the delicious local ciders.

Friday 8th July

Last night’s hangovers will be quickly dissipated by the frenzied post-hardcore of CREATURE and the crushing industrial sounds of HERIOT. Seekers of catchy memorable rock tunes will be well served by BOSTON MANOR and AS DECEMBER FALLS, while those after gentler vibes can enjoy 2000tees regular WILL VARLEY over at the Forest Stage. The Axiom Stage continues to offer extraordinary variety in tones and moods – look out for the uplifting pop-grunge of PUPPY, their punky almost-namesakes PUP from Canada, and the majestic post-hardcore of ROLO TOMASSI.

The Neu Stage is stacked with future festival mainstays, culminating with sets from grime-punk duo BOB VYLAN and Scottish rockers VUKOVI. A thrilling US double-bill awaits at the main stage for the evening’s co-headliners. If their triumphant Glastonbury appearance is anything to go by, TURNSTILE promise to transform the crowd into a sweaty, breathless mush of limbs. Do make sure to save some energy though, as THRICE are bound to deliver a hair-raising performance as they play the iconic album Vheissu in its entirety, along with other choice highlights from their varied discography.

Saturday 9th July

The final day of 2000trees will continue to pose multiple dilemmas for the discerning owner of a clashfinder. The early afternoon boasts a great variety, from the DIY riot grrrl attitude of DREAM NAILS, through to the jump-along basslines of NOVA TWINS, and the passionate indie synthpop of LIZZY FARRALL. Fans of hardcore will be satisfied with the punishing breakdowns of KNOCKED LOOSE and the melodic rawness of HIGHER POWER, while appearances from TWIN ATLANTIC, GINGER WILDHEART & THE SINNERS, and CLT DRP make the Forest Stage a must-visit.

You can nip for a smoko and still catch most of Aussie pub punks THE CHATS, before cult Welshmen MCLUSKY mark the 20th anniversary of their classic Mclusky Do Dallas. Over at the NEU Stage, PRESS TO MECO will showcase their fantastic brand of math rock with pop sensibilities. YOU ME AT SIX have the first co-headline slot of the evening, showcasing why their catchy modern alternative is equally admired in the rock and pop scenes. 2000trees will culminate on a rager with punk favourites IDLES. Notorious for the fierce show they put on, the Bristolians are guaranteed to drain the crowd of the last remaining drops of stamina.

With a line-up that is beyond stacked, along with all the additional entertainment of a festival in the form of events, comedy and late-night DJ spots, as well as its trademark friendly atmosphere, this year’s edition of 2000trees Festival promises to be one of the events of the festival summer.