We’ve already highlighted five of the must-see bigger-name acts playing 2000trees 2026, but we always prefer the smaller stages – seeing new bands smash their sets as they move their way up the line-up in years to come. 2000trees Festival prides itself on showcasing these types of acts, and this year is no exception.

In this post, we’ll talk through some of the finest smaller acts playing at Upcote Farm this summer.

We’re going to try and catch as many as possible, but there are bound to be clashes – with equally as impressive acts.

THURSDAY 9 JULY

Hammok – 1pm, The Cave, Thursday 9 July

Hailing from Oslo and signed to Sargent House, Hammok arrive at Trees with a brooding and brutal post hardcore-infused sound that will appeal equally to lovers of prog and chunky riffs. The trio are going on tour later this year with Sparta but this wide-ranging sound is made for the Cave’s tent. Fan of The Armed, La Dispute or Rolo Tomassi? Prepare to find your new favourite band.

Adore – 1.30pm, The Marshall Stage, Thursday 9 July

Galway’s finest Adore offer perfectly pulsating garage rock songs – with a raw, sometimes devastating emotional heft – that will make you want to start a band. Signed to Blowtorch Records, their appearance at Upcote Farm follows shows with Sprints and a debut EP release on Big Scary Monsters.

Bleech 9:3 – 4.35pm, The Cave, Thursday 9 July

Bleech 9:3 are playing all over the place this festival season, but a show in the huge surroundings of The Cave tent promises something spectacular. A band formed when Barry Quinlan and Sam Duffy met at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting (they are each other’s sponsors), their live show is said to match the intensity of the records – the Guardian comparing Barry’s stage presence to Ian Curtis – and be filled with noisy grunge-inspired hooks falling somewhere between Reuben, Deftones and Fontaines DC.

FRIDAY 10 JULY

Bratakus – Midday, The Cave, Friday 10 July

Two sisters from the remote village of Tomintoul in the north of Scotland playing punk rock songs that rally against the state of politics and the divisive state of the nation right now – what’s not to like? Inspired by Bikini Kill and the Distillers, the Venn Records signings are sure to provide an intoxicating and exciting live experience.

SLAG – 2.35pm, The Forest, Friday 10 July

Formed in Brighton in 2023, SLAG recently released their debut EP ‘Losing’ via Big Scary Monsters and are on a mission to make music fun, especially in the live setting. Specialising in melodic math rock – with a touch of prog and bouncy Britpop for good measure – the five piece’s set in the stunning surroundings of The Forest is sure to be a joyous occasion.

Mould – 5pm, The Forest, Friday 10 July

Describing themselves as ‘heavy with a sparkle’, the Bristol trio are delightfully unhinged and experimental – blending Weezer or Dinosaur Pile-up-esque power-pop hooks with group chanting, stop-start riffs and post-punk sensibilities. Their songs are short, scuzzy and sure to leave you spellbound.

SATURDAY 11 JULY

Ain’t – 10.30am, The Marshall Stage, Saturday 11 July

10.30am on the final full day of a festival is a tough time for punters, but judging by 2000trees in the past, Ain’t will have no trouble getting a crowd – and they’re going to be showered with love. Inspired by ‘the stranger side of ’90s guitar music from both sides of the Atlantic’, we hear elements of Pavement and The Smashing Pumpkins but also contemporaries like The Belair Lip Bombs or Momma – they’ll get you all set for an incredible last day.

thistle. – 11.30am, The Marshall Stage, Saturday 11 July

Fresh off a support tour with Humour and the release of their ‘backflip’ EP, the Northampton trio arrive at Upcote Farm with plenty to celebrate. Their wiry, lo-fi and angular yet grunge-tinged hooks remind us of bands like Tigercub or latter-day Basement. We expect they’ll be climbing up the stages so catch them now.

Big Truck – 6.40pm, The Marshall Stage, Saturday 11 July

Laurie Vincent from Trees favourites Soft Play, Sam Coppins from Lady Bird, Asa Thallon and Justin Myles are the members of Big Truck, a band that showcases Laurie’s softer – yet no less devastating and impactful – side. With influences including The Smiths and The War On Drugs, Big Truck specialise in anthemic indie rock filled with atmospheric, haunting and abstract moments. Don’t miss them.

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.