2000 Trees enters its second decade this year, having built a solid reputation with its uniquely intimate atmosphere, consistently impressive line-ups and faultless organisation. With roots firmly planted in supporting British bands, it's a fantastic weekend for any alternative music fan wanting to indulge in, and support, the local scene. In addition to well established acts, there are plenty of lesser-known names that we think are well worth your time. Here's a run-down of our must-see bands at this year's festival.
Grumble Bee, Thursday: The Cave
Make sure you get there promptly on Thursday; you don’t want to be the person that missed Grumble Bee. Multi-instrumentalist Jack Bennett has an array of anthems in his back pocket and with the help of friends, always delivers with full-band shows. Bennett wears his heart on his sleeve and puts everything into his performances, meaning that no two sets are ever the same. With Grumble Bee on the stage, it’s guaranteed to be an impassioned and heartfelt start to this year’s festival.
Straight Lines, Thursday: The Cave
Straight Lines released the fantastic ‘Freaks Like Us’ in 2012 but have since been rather quiet. Things started to pick up towards the end of last year with some long-awaited new music in the shape of double A-side ‘Bury Me / Insecurity Card’ and a flurry of live shows were announced. There’s been a stirring in the Straight Lines camp and we can’t wait to see them back on stage; their summery, up-tempo alt-rock tracks are perfect for a festival environment, so make sure you don’t miss it!
wars, Friday: The Cave
With the release of their debut full-length ‘We Are Islands After All’ earlier in the year, wars positioned themselves as rising stars of the UK post-hardcore scene. The album’s success owes a lot to the band’s huge riffs and in a live environment there’s no doubt that these will sounds even more enormous than on record.
Black Peaks, Friday: Main Stage
Black Peaks are now veterans of the UK festival scene having appeared at the vast majority of them over the past couple of years, and it’s no surprise they keep getting booked: when you have player at the top of their game, you’d be foolish to leave them out of the team. Ferocious, dynamic and consistently precise, the Brighton-based quartet are one of the best live bands the UK has to offer.
Greywind, Friday: The Neu Stage
Irish brother/sister duo Greywind have been accumulating fans at a rapid rate off the back of their recent full-length ‘Afterthoughts’ and engaging live performances, including a recent impressive outing at Download Festival. Vocalist Steph O’Sullivan is a powerhouse on the stage and her immaculate vocals are certainly worth witnessing for yourself.
Deaf Havana, Friday: The Cave
Until recently it seemed that Deaf Havana had lost their way a little. Previous record ‘Old Souls’ allowed the band to scratch a creative itch that while necessary artistically, wasn’t overly inspiring for the audience, but all is forgiven thanks to this year’s impressive follow-up ‘All These Countless Nights’. Back are the foot-stomping rhythms and self-deprecating anthems that we’ve come to love and we’re looking forward to seeing them come alive on stage.
The One Hundred, Saturday: The Cave
Another of 2017’s full-length debutantes, The One Hundred have been building some well-deserved momentum this year, not least for their impressive live shows. At Download Festival, vocalist Jacob Field’s Hawaiian shirt, bright orange t-shirt and matching shorts was one of the gaudiest outfits we’ve ever seen on a front-man. Even if the band’s unique mix of powerful riffs, electronics and multi-faceted vocals isn’t enough to win you over, it’s worth checking them out if only to see what else they have hidden in their wardrobes.
Acres, Saturday: The Neu Stage
Post-hardcore quintet Acres have been refining their sound for the best part of five years and this investment paid off earlier in the year with latest EP ‘In Sickness & Health’. On record, the atmospheric guitars and emotionally delivered vocals build a superb amount of ambience that will only be amplified further in a live setting.
Hundred Reasons (acoustic), Saturday: The Forest
When you need a break from the frantic pace and noise of the festival, 2000 Trees provides a place to relax in a quiet, chilled out setting. The Forest is a dedicated acoustic stage and its line-up has grown even bigger this year, having become a major crowd-pleasing addition to the festival. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere in The Forest thanks to its scattering of hammocks, lantern-lights and woodland atmosphere and when Hundred Reasons take to the stage to play a unique acoustic set, it may well provide the “you had to be there” moment for the weekend.
For more information about 2000 Trees check out the festival’s official website here.