If you go down to the woods this weekend, you’re probably going to get rocked. With the second Wednesday – Saturday in July upon us, we can hear the Cotswold hills calling as Cheltenham’s Upcote Farm is taken over by some of the world’s most exciting alt. artists. Having grown from rustic, DIY beginnings into one of the most essential outings in the UK festival calendar, 2000trees feels like both a celebration of the event’s past as ’trees veterans like The XCERTS and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls rub shoulders with reliable favourites such as Don Broco, Bob Vylan and The Chats, as well as a statement of intent for an even bigger future with the booking of heavyweight festival newcomers Manchester Orchestra and The Gaslight Anthem.
Beyond those obvious must-see sets, there’s a whole galaxy of stars vying for attention. From rising American emo heroes Hot Mulligan and Spanish Love Songs to mind-mangling brutalists Empire State Bastard and Palm Reader (performing their last-ever show) and champions of the cutting-edge of British alternative Cassyette and WARGASM, it’s a list frankly too long to reel off.
Filtering through the clashfinder, instead we thought we’d highlight 15 acts not on hard rotation around this summer’s UK festivals with a point to prove. From the visceral beatdowns of Better Lovers and Heriot to swaying in the shadows with The Mysterines and Zetra and getting the party started with bombastic festival specialists Nova Twins and Hot Milk, there’s something here for everyone. So, come rain or shine, in just a few short days we’ll all be crushing pints (and the fest’s trademark cocktails) at one of the most outrageously enjoyable parties of the year…