Set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds' rolling hills, 2000trees Festival is gearing up for a weekend filled with music, community, and energy. This 15,000 cap event is a haven for rock, punk, and indie enthusiasts, offering a truly community-focused festival vibe. From July 11th to 13th, the green landscapes will come alive with sounds from both cutting-edge and celebrated acts, creating a beautiful blend of genres and generations.
This year, topping the line-up are The Gaslight Anthem, The Chats, and Don Broco. The Gaslight Anthem will bring their soulful, legend-inspired rock anthems, followed by Australian pub-punk sensations The Chats, who's sets are an experience all of its own. Don Broco's unique mix of rock, pop, and electronic elements will close the festival with a bang. But it's not just about the headliners – 2000trees also showcases a fantastic lineup of emerging and established artists, promising plenty of new discoveries and fan favorites.
We spoke to James Scarlett, one of the organisers of 2000trees, about the festival, the acts and more:
First of all, for the uninitiated, could you introduce yourself and 2000trees?
I'm James Scarlett, organiser and band booker of 2000trees Festival. 2000trees is a 15,000 capacity rock festival set in the rolling Cotswold Hills. We’ll give you the best rock line up of the summer, alongside an incredible boutique festival atmosphere.
Who are you looking forward to seeing perform this year? Any early picks you think the fans should check out before they hit the main stage in a few years?
Higher up the line up there are a few bands I’ve been trying to book for years that I’m super excited about. Namely The Gaslight Anthem, Manchester Orchestra, Don Broco and Spanish Love Songs. We’ve also got some returning favourites in Bob Vylan, The Chats and “Mr 2000trees” Frank Turner. It’s going to be our biggest year yet.
If you want to discover the next big thing, then you’ve come to the right place. There are loads of bands I could suggest, but let’s start with unpeople, NOBRO, Vower, The Meffs, Enola Gay and Holy Wars. All these are incredible and destined for big things!
A part of the appeal of 2000trees is that it brings the artists and the fans closer, you often find artists walking around the fields, being fans of other bands. How important do you think that intimacy is for the feel of the festival?
Trees is one big community where the artists and fans often mix, and this adds a lot to the overall vibe of the festival. This intimate vibe is a big part of what sets 2000trees apart from the bigger festivals like Download and Reading.
One of the coolest parts of Trees is our campsite stages (or Busk Boxes as we call them). You’ll often see big acts at 1am playing in the campsite and I’ve heard a rumour that Frank Turner might show up at Camp Turner this year. I have no control over whether or not this happens so I’m as excited about this prospect as the fans are!
Aside from the above, what else do you think sets 2000trees apart from other festivals?
I think the main thing is that we actually give a shit about the fans. We care deeply about providing great food and drink choices, a beautiful site, clean toilets, good sound at the stages, a spacious campsite and about a million other things. The organisers are festival goers, so we are trying to put on a festival we would like to go to ourselves.
We wouldn’t be hmv if we didn’t ask this one - What was the first album you bought?
It was Young Gods by Little Angels and I still listen to it to this day!
2000trees kicks off from Thursday 11th - Saturday 13th July. You can find out more and buy the last remaining tickets at 2000trees.co.uk
