ONES TO WATCH: 2000 Trees FESTIVAL 2025
It’s officially just one week to go until 2000 Trees Festival takes over Cheltenham’s Upcote Farm yet again. Over the years, it’s become one of the most exciting alternative festivals the UK has to offer and this year’s line up is arguably one of their strongest yet. The festival prides itself on showcasing talent spanning a variety of genres, ranging from alt-rock to hardcore. With attendees spoilt for choice, here are a selection of must-see artists to add to your clash-finder.
Wednesday:
Unpeople
Forest - 16:20-16:55
Since the band’s live debut back in 2023 (at 2000 Trees nonetheless), the band have found themselves on an upwards trajectory with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The four piece comprised of ex Press To Meco and Delaire The Liar members are no strangers to the festival, having performed in their previous endeavours on several occasions. Now in 2025, Unpeople’s set on the Forest stage will be the band’s first of TWO appearances at the farm this July. The intimate offerings of the Forest stage makes this set one you won’t want to miss. With Heavy Music Award nominations and an already sold-out Camden Underworld show in the works - this may be one of the last opportunities to catch Unpeople up close and personal for a long while.
Hot Milk
Forest - 22:05-23:00
Off the back of headlining the Axiom tent at last year’s instalment, Hot Milk are back and bigger than ever. Known for their high energy performances, the Manchester based rockers are certain to cause chaos when placed amongst the Forest stage greenery. Their performance will come a mere few weeks following the release of their latest album titled Corporation P.O.P. New tracks sprinkled in with their already impressive discography makes Hot Milk’s headline Forest set one you cannot miss.
Thursday:
Lake Malice
NEU - 18:30-19:10
Brighton based duo Lake Malice are fresh hot in the UK’s heavy music scene. Off the back of opening for Bury Tomorrow around Germany, the band have also played with the likes of Skindred, Enter Shikari and festival favourite, VUKOVI - all without the release of their highly anticipated debut album. Since playing the Cave stage in 2023, they have gone on to release their first EP, Post Genesis and kicked off the new year with smash single, Scatterbrain. With more tracks under their belt and a longer set time, their electronic and industrial infused sound is sure to resonate with this year’s festival goers.
PVRIS
Main - 19:20-20:35
As part of the tenth anniversary tour for their debut album White Noise, PVRIS are set to make their 2000 Trees debut. Their co-headline slot alongside Irish collective KNEECAP, feels both well-earned and overdue. Front woman (and force to be reckoned with) Lyndsey Gunnulfsen, is a machine and her stage presence is next to none. It goes without saying, a female headlining the festival’s Main stage is ground-breaking when you take a peek at its previous lineups. If you’re in need of a nostalgia infused sing-along whilst the sun sets on the Thursday, look no further than PVRIS - you certainly won’t leave disappointed.
Bambie Thug
Forest - 20:40 - 21:30
Representing Ireland at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest has skyrocketed Bambie Thug to stardom, not before landing firmly on the Forest stage at this year’s 2000 Trees. Without a doubt you can expect the same level of theatrics and outrageous costumes that graced television screens at Upcote Farm. Bambie Thug’s Doomsday Blue marked a huge milestone for the alternative music scene. If spooky-horror inspired music is your vibe, you won’t regret going down into the woods on the Thursday evening.
Friday:
HEVENSHE
Forest - 18:30-19:10
Former Tonight Alive vocalist, Jenna McDougall has gone it alone and in a perfectly curated package offers new solo avenue, HEVENSHE. The singer-songwriter draws inspiration from hero Alanis Morisette and with debut EP, Wild Wild Heart showcases her impressive vocal range. Latest single, Floor Bed is packed with grit and feels like it was taken directly from an early noughties movie soundtrack - what more could you ask for? The festival will also mark HEVENSHE’s UK debut, which you’d be a fool to miss.
Heriot
Cave - 21:45-22:35
A mere three years ago, Heriot made their 2000 Trees debut when they opened the Cave stage. Now in 2025, they’re headlining it - and rightly so. Heriot are at the forefront of the UK’s new heavy music movement, with their 2024 sophomore album, Devoured by the Mouth of Hell gaining wide acclaim. Their ability to infuse metal with elements of shoegaze and sludge is seamless, and their live performance is tight-knit - offering a masterclass right infront of your very eyes.
Saturday:
VUKOVI
Main - 17:35-18:20
Crowd favourites VUKOVI are no strangers to 2000 Trees and this year, they’ll finally be making their mark upon the festivals coveted Main stage. The Scottish alt-rock duo comprised of vocalist Janine Shilstone and guitarist Hamish Reilly have recently been reaping the rewards of their tremendous hard work. Earlier this year, the duo took their latest release My God Has Got A Gun across the UK and Europe to rip their largest headline crowds to date. Having worked their way up the festival bill over the years, their main stage slot is guaranteed to be rowdy, heavy and unapologetically raw.
RØRY
Forest - 22:10-23:00
This year’s 2000 Trees is all about the debuts and what’s one more? After ticking off Download and Slam Dunk Festivals from the bucket list, RØRY will finally grace the Forest stage at this year’s instalment. Another worthy stage headliner, RØRY has gone from strength to strength. From back to back sold-out UK tours, to Heavy Music Award wins, RØRY is the success story that has the alternative music scene in a chokehold. After countless EP’s, RØRY’s long-awaited debut album RESTORATION is unfiltered songwriting at its very best. There’s no denying that her headline set will be jam packed with emotions, candid story-telling and above all - her community of diehard fans known as the 37 Club. Pack your tissues because it’s going to be a tearjerker!
