What a difference a year can make, and I'm certain the four thousand other festival revellers who attended 2000trees Festival this year would agree with me. Where as last year rivers of mud and a constant soaking were common place, this year the sun shone over the attendees the entire weekend; a welcome détente from the temperamental weather gods. 

Moving away from the British necessity to talk about the weather 2000trees Festival is situated on Upcote Farm just outside of Cheltenham, with plenty of Cotswold countryside to entertain the eyes. Musically leaning more towards the underground and with only British bands playing, it's a welcome relief from the arduous treks that take place at some of the larger festivals. 

An extra fifteen quid gets you onto the site on Thursday, and it was well worth paying for. Freeze the Atlantic was the first band I saw of the weekend, featuring the ex-Reuben Guy Davis on drums. Their catchy melodies were a good accompaniment to the sun and cider, but still left me in anticipation for alt rock, post-punk (god I hate genre classification) Future of the Left. Their mix of fuzzy bass, riffs and lyrics that would make Bowie seem as dull as a Morris dancer always tickle my musical taste buds and that set was no different. Frank Turner fans were also elated as he performed a secret set before his headline slot on Friday, which would make it his first of five performances across the three day festival. 

Waking up on Friday was the official start of the weekend and I was eager to make my way to the main stage to see some music, and cure my hangover with arguably some of the best food I've ever eaten at a festival, (I opted for a chorizo burger with garlic mayo which was truly delectable). Park Bench Scoiety were the soundtrack to my gluttony, rapping over acoustic melodies to provide perfect sunshine entertainment. Wondering over to The Cave (which plays host to the heavier acts of the weekend) for Axes was an entirely different experience however. Noisy, experimental and full of time signatures they were one of the most impressive bands of the day. The awesome harmonies of The Cadbury Sisters echoed through out the Leaf Lounge stage, the added drums and instrumentation from last year giving their songs added groove. 

A taste of nostalgia came from the 90's British grunge of Nine Black Alps in the early evening, followed up similarly by InMe, who are sounding a whole lot heavier in recent times. Whilst the majority of the festival packed into the main stage arena for poster boy Frank Turners headline set I remained at The Cave for the instrumental outfit Adebisi Shank, and was not disappointed in my decision. Although the crowd may have been smaller in size those who were there made their voice heard loud and clear, dancing along to synthesized guitar and bass madness wrapped in all the Irishness of a pint of Guinness. 

On Saturday Bovine were the first to shake off the cob webs with heavy and often ethereal rock, lying somewhere between the lines of doom and metal. Later, The Physics House Band produced their own brand of space-math in the humid hotness of the Leaf Lounge, incorporating enough time signature changes to confuse Neil Pert with ambient synth soundscapes (and maybe next year we might get to see them in the bigger tent!). Two piece stoner/doom began the slew of impressive instrumentation at The Cave from Wet Nuns, with the crushing baritone of That Fucking Tank and the post-rock musings of Maybeshewill following suit. While the Mystery Jets entertained the Main Stage there was more Irish instrumentals this time from And So I Watch You From Afar. Having recently played a host of shows in Africa to support their new album All Hail Bright Futures their set was a good mix of old and new, bringing the stage to a close in their own renowned style.

For those who enjoy locally sourced music, booze, food an entertainment 2000 Trees Festival hits the mark tenfold. Never too crowded there is plenty fun for all ages to be had here, and I'll definitely be back for my fifth year of residency in 2014. Make sure to check out their sister festival ArcTanGent which takes place at the end of August.

Article:Liam McMilan 

Photos:Chris Poots