Festival organiser James Scarlett reveals the very best things about 2000trees 2018, which takes place this weekend (12th-14th July) with At The Drive In, Twin Atlantic, Enter Shikari, Creeper, Arcane Roots, Black Honey, Blood Red Shoes, Black Peaks, The Xcerts and more.
1. It’s the best place to discover your new favourite band
In the past, we’ve had before-they-were-famous sets from the likes of Frank Turner, Twin Atlantic, Nothing But Thieves and Wolf Alice and I’m particularly proud of introducing our fans to Black Peaks and Brutus for the first time (two of the best bands on the planet in my opinion). This year I’d suggest people keep an eye out for Fangclub, Sløtface, Chapter and Verse, Gender Roles, Blood Command and Haggard Cat – they are all awesome.
2. You can bring your own booze
Unlike most festivals, you can actually bring your own beers to 2000trees and take them wherever you like, even into the main arena to watch our headliners. If you couple that with the best value ticket price you’ll find anywhere then you should be able to come to 2000trees without breaking the bank!
3. There is an incredible forest stage
Deep in the forest, you’ll find an awesome outdoor stage which plays host to stripped-back and acoustic sets from around 50 acts across the weekend. It’s a great place to go if you need a break from the pit and I think it often provides the weekend’s biggest highlights. In the last few years, we’ve had amazing sets from The Wonder Years, Hundred Reasons, The Xcerts, Frank Carter and Mallory Knox. My particular favourite was the incredible Jamie Lenman covers set in 2016. This year’s line-up is still a secret but believe me, it is very exciting.
4. There is a late night silent disco
From 11pm to 3am you can throw on a pair of headphones and dance the night away. Our punters absolutely love it and you get a choice of alternative/rock (in our Cave stage) or something more commercial at the main stage. Honestly, the view of a few thousand people dancing under the moonlight is truly a sight to behold and the only people looking annoyed are the security team listening to a lot of out of tune singing! And watch this space for news of some surprise DJs coming your way for 2018.
5. It’s the most intimate, friendly and beautiful festival you’ll ever go to
There’s loads of space, it’s nice and clean, the neighbours are friendly, and because the site is small, you’re never far from a stage or a bar. It’s a great feeling to bed down under the stars in the beautiful Cotswolds and escape reality for a few wild days and nights.
2000trees takes place from 12th-14th July at Upcote Farm, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
