While the sure-to-be triumphant headline sets from Kneecap, PVRIS, Taking Back Sunday and Alexisonfire and long-awaited Upcote Farm debuts from the likes of Million Dead and Letlive capture many of the headlines, one of the best things about 2000trees is the festival’s dedication to smaller or lesser-known acts – this year, they even have BAFTA winner Paddy Considine’s band Riding the Low playing the Forest Sessions.

This was originally meant to be a Top 5 of lesser-known artists and bands to look out for on Upcote Farm (read our Top 5 Must-see Acts here), but then we hammered the official Spotify playlist and found a few more.

Meryl Streek
Main Stage, 11-11.30am, Thursday 10th July

One of our standouts of the 2024 festival, Irish punk Meryl Streek will open the Main Stage with his hard-hitting yet relatable storytelling and powerful melodies.

Grieving
Forest Sessions, 11.30-12pm, Thursday 10th July

Mathy alt-rock from Cambridge with post-rock leanings that will delight fans of La Dispute and Guided by Voices.

Rifle
The Cave, 1-1.30pm, Friday 12th July

What’s a festival without some proper punk? Snarling, short and snappy songs that are at least partly inspired by Joy Division and The Cure, this 30 minutes is set to leave you breathless.

KEG
The Axiom, 1.30pm-2pm, Friday 12th July

Whether singing about keeping secrets with a warm or the perfect prowess of Olympian Michael Phelps, the Alcopop!-signed art rockers sound something akin to David Byrne fronting Cats and Cats and Cats – and are renowned for their live show.

Thank
NEU Stage, 2.30pm-3pm, Friday 11th July

Signed to BSM, the Leeds rockers’ socially conscious lyrics and heavy-hitting riffs are made for Trees.

Venus Grrrls
NEU Stage, 5-5.30pm, Friday 11th July

Atmospheric indie rock with a gloomy and goth-tinged edge. ‘Darla’ showcases singalong potential with its pining ‘Do you want to be friends with me?’ It should be epic live…

Hunny Buzz
NEU Stage, 10.30-11am, Saturday 12th July

While the bouncy Britpop-esque jangle pop sound may hint at something light and breezy, Lyd Read talks about therapy and palpitations in some instantly relatable songs: ‘Let’s go somewhere different now, because I feel like lashing out’. Make the effort to get up early on the Saturday morning to see Hunny Buzz.

Anxious
The Axiom, 3.35-4.10pm, Saturday 12th July

A Fairfield, Connecticut band, signed to Run for Cover, that blend emo sensibilities with touchs of hardcore riffs and hooks you’ll be humming for hours.

GIRLBAND!
Neu Stage, 5-5.30pm, Saturday 12th July

Thanks to their Bella Ramsey-starring video (894,000 YouTube views and counting), it might be a stretch to describe GIRLBAND! as ‘hidden’ but their Savages-meets-Rilo Kiley-esque sadpop is sure to be a sensation.

2000trees Festival 2025 takes place on Upcote Farm (near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 4BL) from Thursday 10 July to Saturday 12 July, 2025, with limited early entry on Wednesday 9 July only with a four-day ticket.

TICKETS ON SALE HERE.