2000trees Festival 2026 – 5 must-see moments

Festival season is almost kicking off and even with Glastonbury taking a fallow year, there’s plenty to enjoy out on the farms and fields this summer. We will once again be heading to Upcote Farm in the Cotswolds to enjoy every moment of 2000trees.

The line-up, as you’d expect, is completely stellar with acts like Pup, The Bronx, Cancer Bats, Static Dress, Sunny Day Real Estate and Marmozets all making appearances, but below we’re talking through the sets we’re most excited for. See you on the farm?

Coach Party – 3.55pm, Axiom, Thursday 9 July

Our original pick for Thursday, Alkaline Trio, have had to pull out of this year’s Trees due to health reasons so now we’re looking to a more intimate stage – and the irresistible indie-pop hooks of Coach Party. The Isle of Wight band have been making waves for a while now with last year’s ‘Caramel’ album quickly establishing itself as a firm favourite in all the end-of-year lists. Blending elements of ‘90s alt rock with magical melodies – and a punky spirit at its heart – this is going to be a hot and packed tent. We expect everyone to dance and sing along to ‘Do Yourself a Favour’.

Sunny Day Real Estate – 7.30pm, Main Stage, Friday 10 July

Our original picks, Lambrini Girls, have also had to pull out of this year’s festival due to health reasons. A phenomenal band with so much to say, we’re sure they’ll play an even higher slot when they return to Upcote Farm in the near future. This means our new choice for Friday on the main stage is Seattle’s emo legends, Sunny Day Real Estate. 2000trees seems a natural home for SDRE’s sweeping, majestic and melodic sound – with Jeremy Enigk’s fragile yet full-throated vocals set to fill the farm with aplomb. Often referred to as ‘the godfathers of emo’, we expect to be wading through a field of tears come the end of what promises to be a very special hour.

Arcane Roots – 8.35pm, The Axiom, Friday 10 July

When Trees favourites Arcane Roots announced their return after seven years away with the sublime ‘A Wave, Across the Sea’ in January, their set quickly became one of the most anticipated of the weekend. It’s going to be celebratory and captivating throughout as the band delve into their back catalogue filled with mathcore and punky classics.

Battlesnake – 1pm, Main Stage, Saturday 11 July

Battlesnake’s set in the Forest at last year’s festival was one of the standout moments. Ludicrous, loud and legendary, the Australian six-piece’s chunky riff-filled sound celebrates the joy of classic heavy metal and prog rock while their outfits, stage presence and speeches are a joy to behold. They’re also, of course, big fans of pyrotechnics. You’ll leave their set buzzing.

The Xcerts – 7.30pm, The Cave, Saturday 11 July

Another Trees favourite who always deliver will run through their new album ‘i think I want to go home now.’ in its entirety before smashing through a bunch of singalong anthems. Expect passion, pride and plenty of emotion – especially when Murray Macleod sings the record’s closer ‘in your eyes’…

2000trees Festival takes place between Wednesday 8 and Saturday 11 July, 2026. The festival is located on Upcote Farm, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL54 4BL.

Buy your tickets here.

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