2000Trees is one of an army of small, ethically minded festivals to be slowly taking over the festival season. Friendly, unbelievably green with a focus on new British music it managed to ride out last years troubles to establish itself firmly in the calendar. Here, festival organiser Andy Rea answers our questions about what to expect for revellers this July.
How long has 2000 Trees been going?
This will be our fourth year
How would you describe the acts that play?
We give our visitors a chance to discover the best in new British music. We're not genre specific, so there's seventy acts on three stages showcasing acoustic, folk, roots and alternative to rock, hip-hop and dance DJ's. There is something for everyone, and we've gone through over 1000 applications to pick the very best of new music around
Are there any acts you are particularly looking forward to this year?
Frank Turner headlined our first ever festival, so for him to return after achieving widesperad acclaim is fantastic- plus he has described 2000Trees as his favourite UK festival. Crazy Arm are fabulous live, Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun are a superb local band and Future Of The Left are amazing.
What sort of crowd do you attract/aim to attract?
It's a very relaxed atmosphere and there are people of all ages who are united by the excitement of seeing live music. They go crazy for the bands and sing along come rain or shine! They also help us to be one of the greenest festivals in the UK, achieving a staggering 90 percent recycling rate last year, thanks to fans using the right recycling bins.
How does a festival like yours get noticed amongst the hundreds of others going on over the summer?
The line-up and word of mouth I guess. We've grown organically year on year with no marketing budget, just a lot of hard work. We're great value for money (£50 for a weekend camping pass), we provide good quality food, drink and the atmosphere is quite special. Plus it's in the most pictureesque Cotswolds location
Describe 2000Trees in five words.
Fun, friendly, affordable, small, beautiful.
Tha' Deets
Where?
Upcote Farm, Withington, Cheltenham, Gloucester.
When?
16th-18th July
Who?
Frank Turner, Future Of The Left, Kill it Kid, Metronomy, Bombay Bicycle Club, Johnny Flynn, Three Trapped Tigers.
Who With?
2,499 others (who have now all bought their tickets as the festival sold out yesterday, two months in advance- pretty good going for a wee festy with no marketing budget!).
Website?
http://www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk/
Posted In Festivals, May 14 2010.
Words - Gobshout Team 2