The noise (in every sense of the word) that Split Chain have made in such a short period of time is remarkable. A string of impressive support shows, and notable festival appearances has ensured that their name is already seeping into the consciousness of heavy music fans.
With something of a Nu-Metal renaissance ongoing thanks to social media, they band have also been able to grab attention in more modern ways. All of this attention combined means that anticipation is actually high for the release of their debut album.
An often overused music press phrase, there is genuine interest here to see whether or not Split Chain can live up to this early hype. That however brings a degree of pressure with it, so the importance of âmotionblurâ canât really be exaggerated.
The fuzzy shoegaze (or nu-gaze!) wall of sound that has become their signature echoes through the opening trio of âUnder The Wireâ, âbored.tired.torn.â and âIâm Not Dying To Be Hereâ. Each track is absorbingly catchy with heavy hooks and a high dose of singability.
Whilst obvious comparisons will arise to the likes of the mighty Deftones, there is a much needed uniqueness to the Split Chain sound that means that they arenât simply treading old ground. Sonically relentless, the presence of grunge undertones help to manifest a relatable authenticity about these songs.
Nu-metal revivalists will find sanctuary in this album, but those engaged in the growing hardcore scene will also have their heads turned by these unflinchingly ferocious ragers. Indeed, if youâd considered the pre-requisites for this album to be deemed the success it needed to be, youâd likely have a tick next to every box.
With âmotionblurâ, Split Chain have undoubtedly delivered a stunning opening statement which backs up their early credibility and genuinely enthuses you for whatâs to follow.
Isnât it funny that particular years at festivals get remembered for certain things? There are years at festivals that are infamous for the weather, events revered for landmark performances, weekends fondly remembered for a special attraction, and of course those other oddities that make something memorable.
2000trees is now a staple of the festival calendar. The pilgrimage to Upcote Farm in Cheltenham has become a must for passionate fans and when something becomes routine, even a positive one like attending this great festival â our brains need something to help differentiate between each occasion.
Well, 2025 is going to be long engrained in the memories of attendees for a number of reasons which we will get into during this review. 2025 at 2000trees for now though can simply be summed up with three words â heat, Kneecap and wasps!
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Yes, in amongst the endless jokes from bands about counting the trees were quips of 2000 degrees and 2000 wasps. The intense and unrelenting heat has a massive effect on the weekend; it makes everything difficult and means many will have had to tailor their expectations of what they wanted to see across the weekend.
It would be easy to write an essay on the inferno that we all survived, but all we will say is that the wonderful 2000trees community deserve all the credit in the world for banding together to ensure that the festival was still a resounding success.
We came to see some bands though, so letâs get this thing started!
WEDNESDAY
The Wednesday at 2000trees is seriously special. A relatively small selection of early birds get to make the most of the beautiful Forest stage. This stunning setting always has a unique atmosphere, but the opening night party always hits differently.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The first band on, just two hours after the gates open, are returning heroes Haggard Cat! The band have no problems in getting the crowd moving and the love they receive just goes to demonstrate the connection that this group of passionate fans build with those acts that impress at 2000trees.
Another fantastic example of this comes next as Blank Atlas hit the tiny Word stage near to the forest. Usually reserved for podcasts, comedians and kids activities, on Wednesday the Word stage alternates with the Forest Stage to give fans a relentless live music experience like only trees can. Having wowed crowds with an early morning set last year, Blank Atlas return to deliver another great slot this year.
2000trees are a rarity among bigger festivals in that appearances over consecutive years arenât just accepted, they are expected! Wednesday is known for bringing favourites back and next is a group made of members of various trees favourites â Vower. They keep the evening building nicely, as do Buds. in the Word tent next.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Itâs clear that unpeople are heading for big things and they play the first of two sets this weekend next. They take the route of not repeating any songs across their two performances and this set takes the party theme to a new level with new songs punctuated by fun covers of âFight for Your Right (To Party)â, âHash Pipeâ and âSugarâ!
Other Half, Blood Command and Meryl Streek all keep the night flowing perfectly before Panic Shack provide an early highlight and Grove Street ramp up the intensity of the crowd.
We are then treated to a special throwback set from Kid Kapichi which is poignant with this being the last festival for the original line-up. The Meffs are their incendiary selves as they headline the Word tent and Forest stage headliners Hot Milk bring their fantastic new album, âCorporation P.O.P.â to life with a fun set.
đ¸ Joe Singh
As the blazing sun finally disappears, the best bit of trees can commence â the after-hours activities. The silent disco at trees is legendary and a recent addition is a live band in the forest but played through the silent disco system. Listening to 2000trees royalty The Xcerts through our headset is a very different experience and the band make the most of the setting by delivering a crowd pleasing setlist.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
THURSDAY
A warm night sleep then finds us awaking to an even hotter Thursday and the first day proper of the festival. As weâve touched on, if you are that way inclined then you can watch non-stop live music all day and we happen to be that way inclined. So, deep breathâŚ
Hangovers be damned, first up in the NEU tent at 10:30am (yes itâs early but itâs far too hot to be in your own tent) are Terminals who like Blank Atlas before do a great job of engaging the morning zombies.
đ¸ Sophie Ditchfield
Meryl Streek follows his fantastic Word tent set with a bigger opening set on the main stage and Youth Killed It kill it with a great set over at the Axiom stage. It helps in this heat that four of the stages are tented, but Karen Dio attracts a relatively decent crowd for her bop of a set back at the main stage.
PAVĂ, HIMALAYAS and CHROMA all keep the pace going with more really fun performances. Itâs already becoming clear that the standard of acts booked for trees again this year is high, and despite the hazardous conditions, each band is determined to grab their opportunity with both bands.
Indeed, across the weekend there arenât many disappointing performances at all and that is a credit to the artists but also a testament to the regard this festival is held in. Bands want to do it justice but also know that a big performance here can elevate their career more than an early set at a bigger festival. At 2000trees they are playing to a smaller crowd of engaged fans and not a group of often disinterested attendees looking to kill time.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The continued rise of unpeople began at 2000trees and itâs marvellous to see them really thriving. As such their appearance today on the main stage feels like a crowning moment for them and the reaction to the likes of âThe Gardenâ just convince you further that this bands trajectory will see them headline this festival within five years.
đ¸ Joe Singh
Dream Nails and SNAYX are next on our watchlist before we head into the Axiom to enjoy the return of another typical trees band â Puppy. Having been away for a while, the trio get a huge reception and the likes of âWorld Stands Stillâ and âEntombedâ remind you how special the band are.
đ¸ Sophie Ditchfield
The Hunna make the most of their first trees appearance on the main stage and you canât help to enjoy the infectious Hyphen in the NEU tent. BIG SPECIAL sound big and special on the main stage and Kid Kapichi smash out a second set of the weekend at the Axiom stage as we head into the first evening of the full festival.
This year features five acts billed as headliners and the first of those is up next on the main stage. PVRIS are out celebrating the anniversary of their incredible debut âWhite Noiseâ and songs from that album feature prominently in what is a truly fantastic performance. Lynn Gunn is an absolute star and the singalongs that the band conjure in the most intense sunshine are refreshing as hell.
đ¸ Sophie Ditchfield
2000trees continues to grow year on year and that is demonstrated by Twin Atlantic returning to headline the Axiom having previously twice headlined the main stage. Clearly bands want to play trees and the festival have a great relationship with their regulars. The crowd loves every moment of another standard set from the fan favourites.
Kneecap were a controversial booking for the festival (if that even is possible), even prior to the media frenzy that has accompanied them in recent months. Although theyâve played before, musically they were an outside choice as a headliner.
When first announced some speculated online how many (or few to be precise) would watch them. Well now they are the most infamous band at the festival and the field is packed! Easily one of the biggest crowds the festival has seen, there is a real party atmosphere amongst attendees.
The set itself feels more like a celebration of cause as much as a rousing endorsement of their musical output. It however will go down as one of those âI was thereâ moments for 2000trees.
đ¸ Joe Singh
Itâs then time to hit the full multi-stage, multi-channel silent disco again and take in another live disco set, this time from the ever-charming Dream State.
FRIDAY
Friday feels hotter still and you can certainly see the crowds really beginning to flag. Each band however still get their own personal group of fun starters and somehow the 2000trees atmosphere never wanes despite the challenging environment we are in.
Failstate and Mallavora get the early slots today and again are both able to make the most of them. EVER, Eville and Oversize follow for us and we again find ourselves locked into a cycle of mightily impressive bands one after the other.
The good times vibes are essential to 2000trees and Press Club, Youth Fountain and BLACKGOLD keep them coming as we make our way through our third day in heaven (but with the climate of hell).
đ¸ Gareth Bull
We then make our way to the forest and another special feature of 2000trees. You can often catch bigger artists doing intimate things in the woods and this year we have the privilege of trees icon Frank Turner playing his album, âLove, Ire & Songâ acoustically in full.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
Trash Boat, VENUS GRRRLS, FIDLAR and Benefits get things a lot noisier again next and all four are again in top form. As are Coheed and Cambria who attract a huge crowd to the co-headline performance. Always a bit of a marmite band, the crowd at trees welcomes them with open arms and the band get to see for themselves why this event is so special.
Weâve had a few returns and reformations at 2000trees this year, but itâs the appearance of Frank Turner led Million Dead that has garnered the most excitement. They donât disappoint and their five-piece version sounds absolutely huge headlining the Axiom today.
đ¸ Joe Singh
The last band on the main stage today are Taking Back Sunday and whilst a fun time is had, poor sound mix, an uninspired setlist and a lack of real energy mean that they are perhaps the first band to not truly hit the spot this weekend.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Thankfully that feeling doesnât last long because next we head into the campsites, which at 2000trees are another unique feature. Whilst the partiers will rave in the silent disco, others will find themselves at the tiny busking stages. We head to Camp Turner to catch a special unplugged performance from Cyan Kicks which is simply stunning. The beautiful set being the best way to finish the penultimate day of this special festival.
SATURDAY
With the sun still showing zero sign of giving in, the final day of 2000trees is here and Saturday begins with a really fun run of Honey Buzz, Gen and the Degenerates, Love Rarely and The Molotovs. These acts ensure that despite surreal levels of lethargy kicking in the crowd is still given a rousing slap across the face!
đ¸ Joe Singh
Perhaps though a bucket of water over the head would work better today and Bad Sign, Catbite and Daytime TV are on hand to deliver that with more enjoyable performances. Love Is Noise sadly experiences catastrophic technical problems next however and cuts his set short.
Split Chain, Employed To Serve, Anxious and Soapbox are all on hand afterwards however to reinvigorate us as we head into the final straight of the weekend. Cyan Kicks then plug themselves in and deliver another real highlight of the festival in the forest. Magical!
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The set of the weekend however belongs to the incredible VUKOVI who absolutely own the main stage and elicit frenzied scenes that belie the overpowering temperatures.
Making no reference to the footwear needed by vocalist Janine due to the lava like feel of the stage floor, the charm and charisma that she possesses should see VUKOVI able to headline this event in the future. Each track sounds massive today and if the weekend had ended here, it wouldâve been very fitting.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
It doesnât end here however, and we still have time to squeeze in performances from La Dispute, letlive., SPRINTS and final main stage headliner Alexisonfire. Underground favourites, returning icons, new heroes and a band made to headline trees â just a perfect reflection of what this festival is all about.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
Throughout this review weâve used the word special an awful lot to describe 2000trees and thatâs because no other word does it justice. The event feels like less of a typical festival and more of a family gathering. As it continues to grow however, the event will face some dilemmas because if it grows too big it will lose the very thing that makes it so special.
Thus far, despite the growth the organisers have managed to do that. They canât do anything about the weather or the damn wasps, but they may have some online criticism coming their way this year for car park exiting and VIP overcrowding.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
That said though, the things that they got right this weekend far outweighed any issues. Every festival has issues, itâs how they are dealt with that demonstrates the passion of the organisers and you can be sure that 2000trees will ensure that concerns are listened to. Credit must also be given to the organisers for sticking by their guns and allowing artistic integrity to remain intact.
Despite the wasps, the controversy, the extreme heat and any minor gripes 2000trees 2025 is another resounding success. The bands, the atmosphere, the food, the drink, the party, the side quests, just everything about this festival is special and we canât wait for 2026!
After a washout of a year last year, those making the annual pilgrimage to Donington Park this year were checking the weather forecasts regularly. Would it be scorching? Would there be storms? Rain? Snow? The forecasters had us prepared for anything this weekend.
As always though as we enter the hallowed grounds of Download Festival, we are prepared to rock! For over twenty years now this monster event has welcomed the best of the alternative scene for a weekend of revelry and kickass music and 2025 on paper looks no different.
The arena itself though does look a little different. The now standard layout remains the same, but everyone is quick to notice and appreciate the upgrades in toilets and a few other little touches such as a screen outside the Avalanche Stage and the new fancy video totems on the main stage.
FRIDAY
The weather on Friday is hot, hot, hot⌠so itâs nice to start our weekend off in a tent! Karen Dio is a bundle of energy as she opens proceedings on the Avalanche Stage. The early crowd enjoy every moment of her short but sweet set and Download Festival 2025 is a go!
The line-up across the Avalanche Stage this week is great and features some of the best young bands on the scene. One of the most exciting is next as unpeople bring the riffs and the audience bring the party as we get into full swing today.
After a quick sojourn over to the main stage where CKY bring back memories of Tony Hawk games and teenage tomfoolery. The current line-up continues to defy the odds and as the sun beats down, they get the vocal cords of another crowded year warmed up.
Thereâs plenty of singing to be done next as we return to the Avalanche tent for Scottish breakouts Dead Pony. The likes of âMK Nothingâ, âRAINBOWSâ and âMANAâ have the crowd repeating every word and the band can leave the stage knowing that theyâve smashed their opportunity.
Speaking of smashing opportunities and itâs back to the main stage for Boston Manor. Wow. The boys from Blackpool read the assignment and they understood every word. With a busy crowd, the sun shining and the beers flowing, Boston Manor deliver the biggest set of the entire weekend.
Every one of the nine tracks is delivered with passion and energy and the audience give the band everything that they have. This is just goosebump inducingly good. This set is one of those moments that you have to stand back and take in. Itâs one of those moments in which a band solidifies their future and ensures that when they return, they will be playing even higher up the bill!
The run now on the main stage will become the stuff of legend and Rise Against are next up. A band who can be a little hit or miss, especially with their festival sets are fully on top of their game today. Blasting out the likes of âPrayer of the Refugeeâ, âSatelliteâ and closer âSaviorâ, they all sound huge today and Friday is setting a tough measure to follow.
A quick trip for Trophy Eyes on the Avalanche Stage shows that the tent is still in full swing before itâs time for Jimmy Eat World to make their return to Download. Bringing in the likes of âMy Best Theoryâ and âGet It Fasterâ helps their set to flow and of course âThe Middleâ presents one of the biggest moments of the festival.
The nostalgic feel continues next with the ever-delightful Weezer bringing hits such as âHash Pipeâ, âBeverly Hillsâ and âBuddy Hollyâ to the main stage crowd. A Download appearance is a long overdue thing for the band and their first time didnât disappoint.
Download Festival debuts is the Friday night theme and we canât help but check out McFly in the Avalanche tent next. The crowd is expectedly large, if considerably smaller than Busted last year. McFly mix some snippets of rock classics amongst their own hit songs and those gathered have a whale of a time.
The biggest and longest overdue Download Festival debut however is reserved for our Friday night headliners Green Day. There is a real sense of occasion as the band hit the stage, and you feel that this is a true moment in time for the festival.
When a band can begin a performance with a run of âAmerican Idiotâ, âHolidayâ, âKnow Your Enemyâ and âBoulevard of Broken Dreamsâ and make a two-hour set go by in a flash then you know that they are special.
Itâs not often rain is welcomed at Donington but perhaps the moment of the festival is the shower that begins with precision just as Billie Joe sings the line ââŚHere comes the rain againâŚâ during âWake Me Up When September Endsâ!
Green Dayâs ability to make a packed field feel like a small venue is a gift and tonight they simply make headlining a major festival look easy. As the fireworks and âGood Riddance (Time of Your Life)â close out a fantastic day, we canât wait to do it all again tomorrow!
Friday felt big and by comparison Saturday feels a little more subdued. We have a much talked about headline set to come and there are still some exciting acts spread across the stages however.
After a mysterious gap on the Opus stage results in nothing, we start our day as Static Dress continue their ascent up the line-up by opening the main stage. They do their best to wake up a clearly hungover early crowd and can leave knowing they didnât fluff their lines.
BEX is fully prepared to win over a docile pre-midday audience in the Avalanche stage and brings her infectious energy and a couple of âBig BEXâ colleagues to get the crowd engaged. Her short set is a resounding success, and the future looks very bright for an act Full Pelt have highlighted since the beginning.
Two more such exciting young acts, VENUS GRRRLS and Split Chain sandwich some hardcore icons on the main stage. Hatebreed cause chaos with their brutal set, but itâs both the two younger acts that really show themselves as ready to step up next.
Another set that will stand the test of time and prove to be a defining career milestone is that of Poppy on the main stage. The sort of act that old school Download Festival attendees wouldâve bottled relentlessly, Poppy is incredible this afternoon. Even the most hardened sceptics in the audience appear to be won over by a superb set.
AWOLNATION are our next stop off over on the Opus stage and they lean heavily on their breakthrough record, âMegalithic Symphonyâ much to the delight of the crowd. âSailâ naturally provides another one of those big moments.
Teen Mortgage are good fun in the Dogtooth tent before we catch the beginning of Smash Into Pieces on the Avalanche stage. They say dress for the job that you want and not the one you have â well Smash Into Pieces bring a show ready for the main stage and the crowd love it today.
For a number of years fans have clamoured for Don Broco to be given a logo spot on the main stage. Those fans knew that the band could own such a slot and to nobodyâs surprise thatâs exactly what the band do. In a similar vein to Boston Manor yesterday, the band know what they need to do today, and they simply smash it.
Shinedown next are given a big opportunity to step up to sub-headline the main stage. We remember first seeing them low down the bill in 2009 and since then theyâve worked their way up the line-up. With a performance and show like they deliver today, you wouldnât put it past them one day topping the whole thing!
A unique experience is on offer next as festival favourite Frank Carter is back. Not with his Rattlesnakes however, nor one of his other past bands but instead with the legendary Sex Pistols! Present day John Lydon may not endorse this collaboration but a rammed full Opus stage at Download Festival most certainly does.
Speaking of unique experience, a different sort of experience is next as Sleep Token act as a beacon for all young acts that says that headlining is not unattainable. The rise or even explosion of Sleep Token is a refreshing phenomenon and the volume of their t-shirts on parade this weekend show that they deserve this shot.
They are however something of a marmite band and those that love them, really love them and if you donât âget itâ then you actively seek to tear them down. Their set this weekend will only split the crowd even more.
What it is not is the statement that Bring Me The Horizon delivered. Itâs also not one of the instantly forgettable sets that have topped the bill. Musically and stylistically the band are captivating. However, those very aesthetics and the whole no audience engagement element of their mystique also make the performance quite inaccessible to those not already clued in.
It’s a shame that the performance doesnât win universal acclaim because in some ways it needed to. The reality is though that this festival needed to evolve and bring in fresh blood and the fact that Sleep Token were given this chance and they didnât completely fumble the ball must be seen as a win for the future.
The heat and the mammoth scale of the festival looks to be taking itâs toll on the audience and the arena is relatively quiet as Sunday gets underway with the mesmerizing Harpy in the Avalanche tent.
After a downpour during Sex Pistols last night, the rain is still lingering this morning which may also mean some stick to the comfort of their tents to sleep off lasts nights fun. Orbit Culture and Archers both bring a crisp brutality to the morning air and do their best to blow away the Sunday morning cobwebs.
Before we get back into our musical entertainment, letâs shout out the food and drink offerings with the new dedicated bars and areas continuing to provide individual feels to the arena. The Guinness bar is a favourite for us and we are won over by Supermacâs who we hope will be back again next year!
Right, back to the music and we are back at the Opus stage for an always visceral Nothing More. The group only have limited time but they undoubtedly make the most of it with the likes of âIf It Doesnât Hurtâ showing their ability to enthral and entertain.
The afternoon phase of Sunday is then something of a mixed bag with Vower making the most of their Dogtooth slot, Jinjer doing a good but perhaps slightly underwhelming turn on the main stage, Alien Ant Farm and Jerry Cantrell both delivering alright sets that perhaps dip due to understandable lethargy from the crowd, and a superb House of Protection statement set.
As we head into the final run of bands for the weekend Spiritbox do what they need to do in their big main stage spot and Airbourne do what Airbourne do over on the Opus stage. Neither set will likely prove that memorable, but both are a good time.
The heat this weekend whilst not quite at 2023 levels is certainly a factor in Sunday feeling quite sluggish. Many fans seem exhausted and the bands on offer whilst technically sound lack the ability to grab these fans by the collar and drag them from their stupor â case in point the very good Unprocessed who play to a rather tepid gathering in the Dogtooth tent.
It takes a firm festival favourite like Bullet For My Valentine to get momentum building again and the fans are treated to another run through of their seminal album, âThe Poisonâ. Frontman Matt Tuck has never made any bones about his desire to headline, and he makes another bold proclamation at the end of their set. Up until recently youâd have probably laughed this suggestion off but with the band regaining their own momentum and the festival in a new era itâs entirely possible.
Another Welsh group reclaiming their past glories is Kids In Glass Houses and we catch them closing out the fantastic Avalanche stage for the weekend with a crowd-pleasing set.
Then there was one left. Closing out the entire festival are the band that Bullet will be hoping to emulate â Korn. A prime example of a band who lost out when Monsters of Rock died. If a Donington event had existing when Korn were at their peak, then perhaps they wouldâve topped the bill before now but at last in 2025 itâs happening!
It seems that every single person at the festival wants to see the band take their opportunity with both hands and that love from the audience erupts as the opening echoes of âBlindâ ring around the arena.
A simplistic but effective production means that the band let their songs speak for themselves and as they blast out âHere to Stayâ, âGot the Lifeâ, âClownâ and âDid My Timeâ, the band and audience find themselves in a combined state of euphoria.
A splendid outing for rarity âTwisted Transistorâ is a highlight but by the time they bring everything home with âFreak on a Leashâ the band have solidified themselves as bonified headliners at a festival that they are synonymous with.
There is perhaps no better way to finish the weekend and close the chapter on another Download Festival. This yearâs will last long in the memory and is up there with the best. For the diehard attendees, Download Festival is their diary marker that they plan their year around. So the question now turns to who will make their mark next year?
To be established means âhaving existed or done something for a long time and therefore recognized and generally acceptedâ. The 2000trees name means something, to fans it means an unrivalled weekend of thrills in a chilled environment, and to musicians itâs a proving ground, a platform for new artists to shine, but also a place to reinvent yourself or test new waters in a safe place. Trees is established as a trusted sanctum for all music lovers, everyone is welcome and good times are guaranteed.
Those who have chosen to arrive at Upcote Farm near Cheltenham early are treated to what is actually becoming the highlight of the event – a special evening in the trees. Yes, Wednesdays belong to the magical Forest stage and this year the line-up is incredible. A mixture of new acts and returning heroes, the bill reflects perfectly what this festival is all about.
WEDNESDAY
With the forest stage alternating with the tiny Word stage today there is plenty of music on offer. At the Word stage alone we are able to catch great sets from KITE THIEF, CARSICK, Enola Gay and Frozemode.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
But truly itâs within the woods that this festival reaches mythical status. To see a band like Exit Child able to enthral the earliest of attendees with their impassioned grunge, and then have the always uplifting PET NEEDS orchestrate an excitable crowd through a joyous tone setting show before Lambrini Girls galvanise the masses into a united movement all in the space of the first couple of hours just emphasises the beauty of 2000trees.
The audience are all in this together, they believe and demonstrate the ethos of kindness and acceptance which is what makes the event so welcoming.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
The first of two outstanding Dead Pony sets this weekend soon leads us into the business end of night one. 2000trees royalty The Xcerts understand the assignment and pull out a memorable run through of their third album, âThere Is Only Youâ to celebrate the records 10th anniversary, which is eaten up by the crowd.
Itâs around this time that the looming shadow of England vs Netherlands in the Euros takes over the festival. Despite initial reluctance to show the match out of respect to the bands, organisers end up screening the game over at The Axiom. Most impacted are Dream State, who lean into the prospect by showing the football on a TV on the stage, donning football shirts and providing fans with a goal and balls to play with as they belt out the likes of âWhite Liesâ and âChin Up Princessâ.
Thankfully Ollie Watkins saves us from the drama of extra time which means that headliners Boston Manor get the full attention of the crowd. Another band performing twice this weekend, they use this set to play early favourites âBurn You Upâ, âLead Feetâ and âLaikaâ in a set which is an early contender for set of the weekend.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
Even when the main entertainment stops however 2000trees is best known for itâs late night activities. A legendary silent disco attracts the majority, but we head next into the camps and one of the busking stages at Camp Turner. There we catch acoustic sets from InMe frontman Dave McPherson and those scamps in PET NEEDS who manage to get mosh pits and crowd surfers in the campsite!
THURSDAY
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Whether in the general campsite, the family area or the VIP section, fans wake up the next morning to the relief of warm weather! Itâs rained persistently in the days leading up to the event, but the ground has held up well. The music is in full flow again from half past ten as relative locals Blank Atlas deliver a great little set on the Neu stage.
The diverse and social conscious line-up at 2000trees builds on the welcoming atmosphere and Thursday morning sees the likes of The Menstrual Cramps, Cherym, Shooting Daggers and The Oozes engaging their passionate crowds.
The structuring of the stages and times means that if youâre that way inclined you can catch non-stop music from early morning until the wee early hours. Us being somewhat inclined to support new music we dash around witnessing more superb performances from Meryl Streek, Dead Pony (again) and Enola Gay (again!).
đ¸ Jez Pennington
We then head back into the Forest where throughout the main days of the festival you can still see a mix of full band shows, acoustic sets and other unique offerings. We are here however for the always enjoyable Sean McGowan who plays a short sharp set of fan favourites.
2000trees is often at its finest on the smaller stages, but the main stage delivers one of the best barometers for the success of acts. Cassyette is next to grace this stage and showcase why she is steadily moving up bills such as this. A thoroughly captivating blitz of energy, youâd imagine Cassyette will be back soon in an even more prominent position.
đ¸ Joe Singh
Itâs over at the Axiom soon thereafter that one of those magical moments is taking place with Spanish Love Songs attracting a crowd funnelling out of the confines of the large tent. Thatâs before Kids In Glass Houses then continue their triumphant return back on the main stage, with both bands eliciting some of those beautiful sing-a-long festival moments.
As do Boston Manor as they again prove themselves to be one of the bands of the weekend and an act ready for superstardom as they pack out the Axiom for their second set of the weekend. Manchester Orchestra deliver a charming performance next on the main stage, but clearly many of the uninitiated in the crowd are left a little underwhelmed.
We then finish day two with The Pale White in the Neu tent and The Gaslight Anthem on the main stage. Both bands allow their music to do the talking as they bring the first full day to a close. The Gaslight Anthem in particular are something of a dream booking for the festival, and they donât disappoint.
đ¸ Joe Singh
FRIDAY
The festival is in full flow now, with the weather slightly cooler come Friday, fans are ready for another busy day. Itâs up to the brilliant BEX to wake the campers up, which she does to great effect with the likes of âFightâ and âsunDaeâ.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
If you want to watch as much music as possible, you need stamina or an easy to navigate site layout, and as we catch great sets from Mouth Culture, Sløtface and Problem Patterns, weâre very grateful for the simple site layout!
VIP ticket holders at 2000trees have their own campsite, bar and viewing platform and we catch The Rumjacks main stage set from said platform next. The band are entertaining, and the platform gives a nice view of the crowd getting into the party spirit!
In fairness though that party spirit is evident throughout each day and each performance. Tropic Gold get their crowd moving in the Axiom before As December Falls solidify their reputation as a live act over on the main stage. Itâs great to see even smaller acts like Other Half in the Neu tent are given the same energy they produce from a crowd not showing any signs of fatigue.
The standard of performance across the weekend is high, with no set standing out as particularly bad. Perhaps thatâs because we chose correctly when looking at those dreaded clashes, but you feel that the bands take 2000trees seriously. They know the rewards of a top tier show and they put in the effort that the crowd demands.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Two standout performances transpire next however as first unpeople in the Cave tent and then Nova Twins on the main stage put in epically memorable performances. unpeople come from the ashes of Press To MECO and the power of the riff remains at full strength as they get the crowd fully locked in. Equally Nova Twins ooze star power as they take ownership of the main stage crowd. If you had to pencil in a band as a potential future headliner then either of these would be good bets!
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Bears In Trees represent a change in pace as their pop sensibilities feel like a refreshing change of pace next in the Axiom tent. Clearly the audience feel the same and many comment on their way out how impressed they were with another band with a huge upside.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The undercurrent of 2000trees has always been young British rock acts, but the organisers do sprinkle the line-up with some international flair such as headliners The Gaslight Anthem and The Chats. Up next though is grandson on the main stage who brings an element of star power himself. Many in the audience are here to see what the fuss is about, and grandson delivers a good showing which has generally positive results, albeit with a few unimpressed faces remaining.
đ¸ Joe Singh
The festival gets a rebrand next as Bob Vylan return for consecutive years with a sub-headline spot on the main stage. The duo rename the festival Vylanfest and state that theyâll be back next year to headline. Truth be told, they probably couldâve done so this year as the crowd take their antics to another level.
A mixture of new tracks from recent album, âHumble As The Sunâ and favourites such as âWe Live Hereâ and âPretty Songsâ make up a thoroughly enjoyable time. Bob Vylan are one of the best live acts in the UK at present and weâd certainly put money on them following through on their headline promise!
We finish out our Friday with Hot Milk headlining the Axiom and Empire State Bastard headlining the Cave. Hot Milk have just returned from playing stadiums across the world and make a clear effort to make their headline slot special. Again, youâd be happy seeing their performance close the main stage.
Empire State Bastard on the other hand have no bells and whistles, the group fronted by Biffy Clyroâs Simon Neil and powered from behind the drum kit by Dave Lombardo destroy the Cave, causing a sonic onslaught that can only be described as magnificent. A different way to end our night compared to The Gaslight Anthem and Don Broco who will close the event, but thatâs what makes 2000trees so special.
đ¸ Joe Singh
SATURDAY
Campers awaken on the final day to the pitter patter of rain on their tents, and the threat of the damp stuff maintains throughout a chillier day, however thankfully the heavens never fully open.
Split Chain are our first watch today and the band who are popping up a lot lately showcase a grunge/nu-metal crossover which explains why they are a good option for an opening act. The Meffs then blow off any cobwebs on the main stage with a blistering set of punk rockers, before the poppier angst of snake eyes thrills the Axiom crowd.
đ¸Abbi Draper
We then head into the Forest for one last time this year. Firstly, to catch the newly formed Interlaker featuring David Jakes of Lonely the Brave and Jack Wrench of Arcane Roots. The Forest is full as knowledgeable music fans catch a glimpse of this new project. Although only a short glimpse, what is seen is more than enough to whet the appetite for whatâs to come!
Next Frank Turner takes part in a live podcast Q&A and acoustic set with the Mark and Me Podcast. Moments like this are more proof of what makes 2000trees different from your standard festival.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Itâs then a bit of a dash to the main stage for a second The Xcerts performance of the weekend, this time more of a standard hits affair including a surprise cameo from Josh Franceschi of You Me At Six â just one of a few special guests on show this weekend.
The Nightmares in the Neu tent and The Mysterines on the main stage then both make the most of their short times on stage before we catch House of Women and Cleopatrick on the same stages although from afar as we gather any remaining stamina for the incredible run of music set to follow.
We close out our weekend with Frank Turner bringing a headline worthy show to the main stage with new album, âUndefeatedâ, standing tall alongside favourites such as âI Still Believeâ and âFour Simple Wordsâ.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Creeper are then immediately ready to deliver their own headline performance in the Axiom tent. The crowd starting off up to fifteen deep outside of the confines of the tent! What Creeper then proceed to do is simply outstanding. For a band to use their headline set to open with a ten-minute rock opera and to then play almost exclusively all new material is quite incredible. Any other band would be murdered, but not Creeper.
No, the packed tent love every single moment of the set and the time simply flies by with highlights like âSacred Blasphemyâ and âMiseryâ eliciting some of those mass sing-a-long moments. A finale of âCry To Heavenâ is truly awe-inspiring and again, if we are tagging bands for future main stage headline slots, then surely Creeper must be labelled as oven-ready!
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The big finale for us this year is a Don Broco currently out of the limelight writing their next record. Coming out of hibernation for this show, they deliver a tailor made headline performance which is up there with the best the festival will have ever seen. The band bring some of those bells and whistles but itâs their party anthems that do the talking this evening.
Over the three nights weâve seen three completely different headline shows, and upwards of sixty acts giving it everything on stage. Some rest will now be required but with that said, you still donât feel like youâve been in a battle, which big festivals can sometimes become. That again is a testament to the magic of 2000trees.
Much is said of the atmosphere here (including by us in this review!), but the number of bands saying itâs their favourite festival is telling. Thatâs because most fans are here for the music. You can see this with the packed tents before midday and those still seeking live music gone midnight. Itâs as much the people that establish 2000trees as what it is than anything else, and long may it continue to be the best festival in the UK!
