Not just a music festival, 2000 Trees Festival was a weekend of relaxation and entertainment. Cheltenham’s Upcote Farm has hosted over 2000 music fans each year since 2007 and this year over 50 bands played across three stages.
Although Friday brought a downpour which left revellers looking like drowned rats in wellies, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Emotional instrumentalists Maybeshewill opened the main stage and woke the crowd as they thrashed their way through a blowaway set, including “Not For Want Of Trying”. They just couldn’t stop bouncing.
Folk band Midnight Mile played the Leaf Lounge and Romy Quinnen’s staggering vocals astounded the crowd before her. Playing songs from their new EP everyone was joined in appreciation of this magnificent band and they are definitely one of the most promising acts for the future.
The main stage had a completely different atmosphere as Pulled Apart By Horses ploughed through a set of metallic fury, including “The Crapsons” and “I Punched A Lion In The Throat”. The constant shredding and tortuous screams proved how PABH are paving the way in UK post-hardcore bands. Their ability and passion alone made this performance one of the weekend’s best.
Before his band had finished sound checking, Beans On Toast (Jay McCallister) had already started with the pro-drugs anthem “MDMAmazing, before heading into a set of new material, with Frank Turner adding an impromtu beatbox performance. The popularity meant that the Leaf Lounge operated a one in, one out system due to massive crowd turnout, and McCallister got up and personal with his fans by crowdsurfing to close his set.
Sub-headliners Metronomy took to the main stage to deafening applause. With their matching attire and light-up t-shirts, the Londoners smashed through a set of hits including “Heartbreaker” and the crowd pleaser “Radio Ladio”, but left many fans disappointed by leaving out “Black Eye/Burnt Thumb”.
Come 9pm, Frank Turner walked on stage to an uproarious ovation. Despite being his first time headlining, there were no nerves from the folk hero. Playing tracks old and new, including “Sons Of Liberty”, “I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous” and “The Road”, the crowd screamed along for the entire 90 minute set.
Turner’s incredible vocals and banter with the crowd kept the audience in the palm of his hand, Ending with a breath-taking rendition of “The Ballad Of Me And My Friends”. Declaring that he’ll return next year, 2000 Trees won’t be sad to see Frank Turner again.
Despite a slow start on Saturday, the music quickly improved with Mancunian punks Sonic Boom Six taking to the main stage. Fronted by the brilliant Laila K, the entire crowd were skanking along to the ska-punk beats from one of the hottest UK punk acts around today. A frantic performance throughout was bolstered by the anthemic “Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!”. Their unique mix of punk, ska, and reggae offered so much more than the main stage’s earlier acts, and from then on, the music only got better.
With their blend of blues and folk, Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit gathered a large crowd and Flynn’s soaring vocals added such depth that it was not hard not be impressed.
Despite sub-headliners Bombay Bicycle Club drawing in an exceptional audience, it was Saturday’s headliners that 2000 Trees were most excited for. Kicking straight into a frenzy of alternative indie rock, The Subways celebrated their first ever festival headline appearance.
Playing tracks from their upcoming album, as well as some fan favourites including “Oh Yeah”, “Mary”, and “Rock & Rock Queen”, the whole crowd moved to Billy Lunn’s voice, whilst all the men were transfixed on Charlotte Cooper’s bass playing. Their energy-filled set closed with Lunn climbing the stage rigging before diving into the crowd, showing The Subways to be the perfect headliner for this music-loving festival.
To view the whole of The Linc’s 2000 Trees festival gallery, click here.