The fields of Upcote Farm, near Cheltenham, have now been left to recover as the campers, bands, vendors and organisers finally left this year’s 2000trees festival yesterday to go home and recover too. Music was played, drink was drunk, but most importantly, discoveries were made:
- I am rubbish at erecting tents. A big thank you to nearby campers that helped a collapsed mess of rods and flowery material into a decent place to sleep.
- The director of the next big comic book film adaptation needs to listen to Vessels. The epic and dramatic nature of their brand of instrumental post-rock is expertly executed and is something to really get lost in. They were definitely one of the highlights of the weekend.
Zun Zun Egui. Photo courtesy of Craig Boney.
- Zun Zun Egui. I have no idea how to pronounce their name, but it is what this Bristol-based four piece band go by, producing what they call ‘free range rock music’ made from a pretty big collection of instruments. It is energetic, quirky and was the perfect soundtrack to a Saturday afternoon in the sun.
- Kong are one of the most disturbing bands I have ever seen. Skulking on stage with shiny, grotesque masks that still let you see their mouths and eyes moving – as much as you want to look away, you are compelled to stay. The same goes for their music, it’s rough, aggressive, and dark, but undoubtedly good.
- Robbie Williams has a place at music festivals. In this case, at the end of Tall Ships set list when they broke out of their art-rock mould into a surprise rendition of Angels, when everyone showed that they unashamedly knew all the words. It wasn’t just Robbie that had the crowd singing – the packed out Leaf Lounge stage was filled with fans who knew the words to all of the Tall Ships tracks, demonstrating that the band really are on their way up.
- Pieminister Pies. Ok, so I’m a little slow off the mark as Pieminister are a well-known brand, but as I was expecting to be surviving off of limp, soggy burgers for the weekend, the discovery that a hearty pie, with mash and gravy, all packed into a cute little box of tastiness was on offer was AMAZING!
Frightened Rabbit. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Olarte.
- Frightened Rabbit should headline more often. It was down to Frightened Rabbit to round-up the festival as they headlined the Main Stage on Saturday night; their first time headlining a festival. And what a great job they made of it. A band that could be described as a Scottish Elbow, or a mellow Biffy Clyro, they have a charm all of their own. Their performance was polished, passionate, and they just seemed to be genuinely grateful to be there. A lot more of their tracks have made it into my collection as a result.
Judging by the haggard state of everyone as they dragged their sodden belongings back out of the field, a ruddy good time was had by all. Well done 2000trees.
