Festival Review: 2000trees – A Fierce, Friendly Rock Haven in the Sun
Over the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of attending 2000trees Festival, an independently run rock and metal festival tucked away in the UK countryside. It's a four-day event, running from Wednesday to Saturday, which initially threw me off since most festivals tend to run from Thursday to Sunday. But after experiencing the rhythm of it, I have to say it really works. Ending on Saturday meant Sunday could be used for guilt-free rest and recovery, which felt surprisingly valuable.
Lineup Highlights and Sonic Surprises
Let’s talk about the headliners. Kneecap were one of the most anticipated acts, and while I fully support their political stance — Free Palestine, always — I couldn’t help but feel their music didn’t quite align with the overall sound of the festival. That said, their performance was strong and engaging.
I was also surprised, in a good way, to see PVRIS on the lineup. I adore her, but I did worry she was there as something of a token. Out of all the co-headliners and headliners, she was the only female artist in those top-tier slots, with RØRY playing the second stage on Saturday opposite Alexisonfire, which meant she didn’t draw as large a crowd as she deserved. Still, both of them delivered excellent sets.
Alexisonfire, by the way, were incredible—one of the standout performances of the entire festival. But the real highlight for me was Letlive. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of them before this weekend. Their set was electric — raw, passionate, socially aware, and completely unforgettable. I’m not someone who usually stays for a complete set, since festivals like this have you hopping from one stage to another, but I stayed for every minute of theirs. It was easily the best performance of the weekend.
Other shoutouts include:
Million Dead, Frank Turner’s first band, is reuniting after more than a decade. Their energy was unreal, like they were still in their twenties.
Twin Atlantic and The Hunna, two acts I’ve followed for a long time, who never disappoint.
Daytime TV is a new discovery whose sound shows real promise. I’m genuinely excited for their next album.
Atmosphere: Small, Kind, and Connected
2000trees is on the smaller side for a festival, and that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable. You can walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes if you’re able-bodied and not too caught in a crowd. Compared to somewhere like Glastonbury, where it can take an hour just to get across the site, this felt refreshing and manageable.
The atmosphere was one of the kindest I’ve experienced at a festival. There was an unspoken rule that everyone looked out for each other. People checked in on strangers, made sure others were okay, and there was a distinct lack of hostility. I didn’t witness a single fight or even hear anyone being rude, which is rare. Even though there was a lot of drinking, and I do mean a lo,t it never tipped into aggression.
That said, the level of drinking was a bit intense. I saw people vomiting just hours into the first day, and often it would happen right where they stood, whether in a tent or in the crowd. It was odd and a bit uncomfortable, but again, there was no aggression or hostility to go along with it. Just a strange mix of heavy drinking and peaceful vibes.
The weekend was incredibly hot. Probably the hottest weekend of the year in the UK. With little shade and lots of direct sun, the combination of heat and alcohol led to a lot of sunstroke and heat-related medical issues. The conditions were intense, no matter the time of year.
Layout, Accessibility, and Community Feel
As someone with a background in care, I really noticed and appreciated the focus on accessibility at 2000trees. I saw more disabled festival-goers here than at any other event I’ve attended, and it was clear that the organisers are making genuine efforts to be inclusive and accommodating.
That said, the layout isn’t perfect. The Word Stage and Forest Stage are both located within the campsites, which means if you’re camping, you don’t get much of a break from the music. That can be fine for some, but for others who need downtime or quiet, it’s less than ideal. A little more separation would go a long way.
Still, the overall size and layout foster a strong sense of community. The vibe was also very family-friendly. Kids were running around everywhere, barefoot, playing freely and safely. No child leads, no stress, just a sense of comfort and shared responsibility. I think a lot of that comes from the fact that 2000Trees is an independent festival, and from the fact that it’s smaller and more intimate. Everyone feels responsible for everyone else, and that’s not something you get at every event.
I even saw a guy passed out on the grass, and someone else came over to check on him, to make sure he was okay. It turns out he was having a nap. However, that small act of kindness speaks volumes about the overall atmosphere here.
Value and Food Quality
From a pricing perspective, 2000trees offers excellent value for money. The general admission price feels well-matched to the quality and variety of acts on offer, which isn’t always the case at festivals.
The food was also impressive. From tacos and Pad Thai to pizza, burritos, and ice cream, most meals were delicious and felt reasonably priced. I only had one below-average meal, and that was on the last day when things were winding down. Honestly, I would have paid the same prices in a restaurant and still felt like I got good food. That’s rare at a festival.
Final Thoughts
Overall, 2000trees is a festival with a strong identity, a passionate community, and a commitment to good music and good vibes. If you’re into punk, metal, rock, or alternative genres, and you’re looking for a festival that’s affordable, accessible, and friendly, I genuinely recommend checking it out.
There are areas for improvement. Gender diversity in the lineup needs serious work; this is something every single festival needs to work on. But even with those issues, the festival created a space where people felt safe, welcomed, and connected, and that’s something truly special.