How many trees are really at 2000 Trees?
Words: Helena Juric
★★★★★
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We gave you our hidden gems on the 2000 Trees line-up a few months ago; the time flew by, and then suddenly we were at the festival experiencing it all for ourselves. With a super last-minute headliner swap from Alkaline Trio to Don Broco, our reviewer Helena, took her enthusiasm and gave us a play-by-play of her time there.
Photo: Jez Pennington
Wednesday
When I finally arrived at 2000 Trees after an extremely delayed coach, I headed to the Forest Stage and realised I had missed Karen Dio, which sucked. But before I knew it, I was in amongst a lively set from Hyphen! My gosh, what an introduction to a festival! Absolute chaos, in the best way possible! I don’t think words can really express how busy the Forest Stage was and how Hyphen got the crowd going! Political music that isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Following them was BLACKGOLD, and they were just as nuts! I highly recommend checking them out if you like Nu Metal-sorta sounds – especially their track ‘Cash Rules’, which was one of my personal favourites (from their EP ‘Phone Home’).
Soon after, I caught SOAPBOX, a punk band from Glasgow that I had been recommended. Sadly, I wasn’t able to catch much of their set, but they are worth listening to. I vibe heavily with ‘Private Public Transport’.
I managed to grab their sound engineer and friend, Sam, who were a lovely couple of lads - both buzzing from the SOAPBOX set. They both agreed the experience was ethereal, to see Soapbox play to a crowd so large, and that they were both so proud of them, stating, “there’s not a better group of people who deserve a slot like that, and to see people singing along to their songs was amazing”. These two were hyped beyond belief for their mates, and that was really moving for me to hear.
So, Lake Malice aren’t the sort of band I’d usually listen to, but I really enjoyed the mix of synths and pop-metal. I’m glad I managed to catch their set! ‘Stop The Party’ is worth listening to.
Next up was Sprints. The vocalist was bloody giving it some during their set! A remarkable Irish garage-punk band formed in 2019 - I highly recommend looking them up, especially their song ‘Need’. Crashing drums, fun riffs and everything you expect from a punk set – lots of chaos, energy and sweat!
PUP had recently just played my hometown, Brighton, so I was stoked to hear them! Lovely people alongside making incredible music. I spoke briefly about Canada and the meanings behind our first names with Nestor, before their set. The set itself was so flipping full of movement, The Forest Stage was rammed with people! ‘Hunger For Death’ was the best end to a beautiful set.
Thursday
By the time I found out which stage Silo were on, their set was over, which was a huge letdown. I spoke to Lawrence on Wednesday, and he said it was their first time performing at 2000 Trees, so I really wanted to be part of that experience. ‘Times Change’ from their album ‘Haze’ is so weirdly soothing; I was looking forward to hearing it live.
I stumbled across Ashaine White in the Marshall tent. Influenced by Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, I found Ashaine White’s music to be an interesting blend of genres, and I’m a huge fan now! 2000 Trees is probably the best place to just wander around and catch new artists you’ve not heard of before. I guarantee you’ll find a new favourite at least once a day!
On the Forest Stage, Doss were fully sending it! They really know how to pick you up, with funky riffs and DIY style. One of my highlights from the entire festival. ‘King Of the Castle’ feels a bit tongue-in-cheek with lyrics like “from my arse the sun does shine”.
At the Cave tent, Still In Love absolutely smashed it. Reminding the crowd, “if you see anyone struggling, help them out”, and similar messages about looking out for your mates. Really energetic performance from Nick Worthington, a hometown local who has come a long way.
Next up at The Forest Stage were The Virginmarys. I spoke briefly with them before their set about their album ‘The House Beyond The Fires’. Both Ally (vocals and guitar) and Danny (drums) were very patient with me as I tried to gather my thoughts. I blabbed a bit about how much I love their song ‘My Nettle’ and how articulate Ally’s lyrics are. I found talking to them extremely inspirational. Especially about the artwork and artistry that have gone into this album. The set itself was electric – Danny was giving his heart and soul on the drums, and Ally was hitting notes I didn’t even know existed. An outstanding performance, filled with passion that even the people at the back could feel.
Friday
On the main stage, Suds! Oh my gosh, well worth waking up for and what a way to wake up! ‘Heavy In The Air’ hit me hard. The bassist told a hilarious joke during their set, which I’m going to be pinching and using as my own – sorry! Honestly, such a beautiful group of people making music that got me right in the heart.
I briefly stopped to get a new haircut from Simon Tuckwell, a talented hairdresser who was offering new styles to people in exchange for donations. Whilst I was waiting for my haircut, I was chatting to a couple of the team members from Metal For Good, a charity worth checking out, as they provide funding to underrepresented groups.
Another amazing band at The Marshall tent was Jayler. I thoroughly enjoyed the harmonica parts with rock - that felt very nostalgic.
Saturday
I don’t really understand the meaning of the cardboard cut-out of Bilbo Baggins on stage (maybe he’s their mascot?), but CARSICK were sick! Tearing up the main stage with ‘It Is What It Is’. The bassist got in the crowd, and it felt like the field was on fire because their set was so lit.
Later, I came across Peach. I can’t remember which tent it was, but I couldn’t not pop my head in! The vocalist had such a unique presence and voice – I recommend their album ‘Only Love’.
One of the stand-out moments for me was Petrol Girls – they for sure are a force to be reckoned with! Their set was so full of empowerment and positive energy! You can tell that they are a band that really cares about the world around them. A defiant performance from their vocalist in particular, encouraging the crowd to engage with a uniting scream which filled the entire tent!
My ears are ringing with the crowd scream of “it was my anger that kept me alive”, from their track ‘Survivor’. Petrol Girls are such amazing and influential individuals, so I’m over the moon that I got a chance to speak with Ren after the set. We spoke about prisoners of politics, getting involved in your local soup kitchen and how our voices and actions can shape the world around us. I think that Petrol Girls really understand and encourage the importance of connection. ‘Sick And Tired’ is one of their favourites to play live, although it changes every time.
I expressed my gratitude for ‘Touch Me Again’. We both agreed that it’s sad songs like this are still prevalent in today’s society, but I’m thoroughly glad someone is screaming about these sorts of issues because if you stay silent, you’re part of the problem.
Overall, a fun four-days filled with sunshine and good times! It was my first adventure to Gloucestershire and I’d do it again in a heartbeat! There was a very apparent sense of community at 2000 Trees. People experiencing the festival for the first time, much like myself, through to loyal 2000 Tree-goers. All with one thing in common, a love for music!
I would highly advise using Tangerine Fields if you’re going alone, as they will pre-make your tent for you at a reasonable cost so you don’t have to carry everything! I found this to be very handy! I also recommend Suzie’s Van for an early morning coffee, was absolutely delicious, as was all of the festival food I had – there was a lot to chose from!
I would like to shout out Jim, Ben, Faye and Freya from The Marshall Team for making me feel so welcome and showing me around the festival. Alongside Carl, Joe and Sam from Gordon Smith guitars. I would also like to thank 2000 Trees for allowing me to be part of such a great music community. I’m kind of sad to be home, but I have made some beautiful memories and met some lovely people.