If you’re into alternative music and looking for a festival that prioritises quality lineups and a smaller, more intimate setting, 2000 Trees Festival should be on your radar. Returning to Upcote Farm near Cheltenham from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12, 2025, this year’s edition is shaping up to be the festival’s most ambitious yet.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from 2000 Trees 2025 – from headliners and new features to ticket info and on-site essentials.

Festival Overview

Launched in 2007, 2000 Trees has steadily grown from a small grassroots gathering into one of the UK’s most respected alternative music festivals. It’s known for its strong lineups spanning punk, hardcore, emo, indie, and post-rock, as well as for its focus on sustainability, independent vendors, and community atmosphere.

The festival is still independently run, which means decisions are made by people who genuinely care about the music and the experience. Over the years, Trees has earned a reputation for introducing fans to new artists alongside established favorites.

Lineup Highlights for 2025

Thursday, July 10

Kneecap (Headliner)

Kneecap are a rap trio from Belfast known for politically focused lyrics and commentary on identity and social issues. Tracks like Get Your Brits Out and Sick in the Head have gained them a strong following. Their debut album, Fine Art, is set for release in 2025, and this will be their first time headlining a UK festival.

Lake Malice

Lake Malice blend metalcore with electronic and glitch influences, creating a dynamic, high-energy sound. Their 2024 EP, Post-Genesis, includes standout tracks like Blossom and Stop the Party, showcasing their experimental approach to heavy music.

Meryl Streek

Meryl Streek combines punk and industrial sounds with direct, spoken-word lyrics. His latest project, 727, features tracks like If This Is Life, continuing his focus on mental health, politics, and social commentary through a raw, aggressive sound.

Friday, July 11

Venus Grrrls

Venus Grrrls are a Leeds-based alt-rock band known for their use of dark synths and powerful lyrical themes. Their recent EP, Potions, includes Lidocaine, a track that reflects on pain and emotional resilience, and has helped grow their presence in the UK alt scene.

Heriot

Heriot fuse metalcore with elements of sludge and industrial to create a dense, heavy sound. Their 2024 release, Demure, features songs like Soul Chasm that highlight their aggressive style and growing reputation in the UK heavy music scene.

Unpeople

Unpeople are a newer act mixing post-punk and noise rock with industrial textures. Their EP Dysfunction includes tracks like Glue, which has a gritty, atmospheric sound that appeals to fans of darker alternative music.

Saturday, July 12

VUKOVI

VUKOVI’s music blends rock and pop-punk with electronic elements. Their latest album, NULA, explores themes of trauma and recovery through tracks like SLO. Their live shows are known for high energy and strong visual presentation.

La Dispute

La Dispute return to Trees with their signature mix of post-hardcore and spoken-word storytelling. Their most recent release, Panorama II (B-Sides), expands on the material from 2019’s Panorama, continuing their emotionally detailed and layered style.

Vower

Vower are a rising band combining ambient textures with a metalcore foundation. Their debut EP, To Know the Light, features emotionally driven tracks like Wounded, positioning them as one of the weekend’s most promising newer acts.

Practical Information

  • Location: Upcote Farm, Withington, Cheltenham. It’s well signposted and shuttle buses run from Cheltenham Spa station.
  • Tickets: Weekend tickets are available now via 2000trees.co.uk. There are options for general camping, glamping, and campervan access.
  • Camping: Standard and quiet camping areas are available. Clean showers and compost toilets are on-site.
  • Food & Drink: The festival supports local vendors with a wide range of food stalls, many offering vegetarian and vegan choices. Local ales and craft beers are a staple.
  • Sustainability: Bring your own reusable bottle and cup. There are refill stations and incentives for low-waste camping.

Final Thoughts

2000 Trees continues to be one of the most consistent festivals for people who genuinely care about music discovery. It avoids the overblown spectacle of bigger events and instead delivers thoughtful curation, quality sound, and a focus on independent culture. If you’re looking for a mid-sized UK festival with strong values and an unbeatable lineup, 2000 Trees 2025 is well worth the trip.

Want to know more about what to expect?

Have a look on the 2000 Trees website for further information, or have a listen to their Spotify playlist to hear more from the bands and artists on the lineup!

PREVIEW ARTICLE by Lorna Leahy

IMAGES from 2000 Trees Website