2000 Trees - ONES TO WATCH

By Anya Baxter.

Ahead of 2000 Trees 2025, we've come up with a list of the acts we're most excited for on this year's lineup, and it's set to be one of the best years yet.

2000 Trees is one of the most exciting festivals for us every year, and this year we have the privilege of being able to attend. An independent rock festival set in the blissful Gloucestershire landscapes, and all our favourite classic and up and coming artists on the lineup, you can't go wrong.

Headlining this year's festival and a must-watch for us is Irish rap trio Kneecap. They blew up after the release of their comedy film of the same name, gaining international attention with their political statements and their refusal to be silenced. They've faced much backlash, but have in turn gained tons of new fans, and their 2000 Trees set is sure to be one of their most important performances to date. With some of their industry peers and themselves under fire for their support of Palestine and their statements made, the Kneecap lads are expected to return to the stage more amped up than ever. And we are so excited that we'll be there to witness and document it. Of course, it is also undeniable that the rappers have talent in bags, and have a long future ahead of them, and I have the feeling we have just scratched the surface of Kneecap.

Give all your emo friends a hug, because Pvris are back for 2000 Trees. Pvris expertly blend experimental electronic sounds, dark rock anthems, and hard hitting lyrics to create their unique sound. Fronted by the icon Lyndsey Gunnulfsen, Pvris put on an incredible performance every single time. We've been trying to feature them in Exposia for their past two tours, and can't wait to finally see them in action for ourselves. And in the headline spot, right where they belong, it's going to be a performance to remember.

Taking Back Sunday, Coheed & Cambria, and ALEXISONFIRE take the other higher headliner slots on the bill, three more bands that I'm sure have featured on many of our elder emo playlists. They've been making their way back into our album rotation, with fantastic new releases, and hopefully all three bands will do a mix of older classics as well as their newer material. Three unique sounds, but something for all alternative fans. This is why 2000 Trees is the alternative festival to beat, you truly get something different with every act.

I personally have seen Kid Kapichi live four times in the past two years, and their growth has been immense and unparalleled. With one of my favourite album releases of the year in 2024 with There Goes The Neighbourhood, I am simply obsessed. Their appearances and performances as of late have been even more special however, as soon they will be having a major change to the band lineup, with two members leaving. Catch the original, phenomenal lineup while you can and make sure you catch their 2000 Trees set for hilariously genius lyrics, fun sounds that make you move your feet, and a seriously lively crowd.

You may recognise Rory from your TikTok for you page, at least that's where I first discovered her. She and her husband Richard are some of the leading influencers today in understanding neurodivergence, and Rory has personally taught me a lot about my ADHD. Oh, and did I mention she has an amazing voice? I was able to attend her show a few years ago, and was blown away by her raw lyrics, personal connection with all her fans, and stage presence. As a woman in her 40s, Rory is proving you don't have to be a young twenty-something to be a brilliant musician and kickstart your career.

We can't wait to also finally catch Swedish metalcore band Imminence. Blending heavy beats with gorgeous classical strings, they are endlessly unique, and it's so exciting to have representation from other countries. For some female-fronted metal, we also are dying to see Employed To Serve, who have a new album dropping very soon, so hopefully we'll be teased with some brand new material.

Heriot and Lake Malice are two bands seriously on the rise, and we were delighted to see they earned themselves spots on the 2000 Trees lineup. While Heriot are pure heavy deliciousness, Lake Malice blend alternative sounds with dance beats that always create a great live atmosphere. Both bands put on incredible performances and if we can we aim to catch both.

The bands lower down the poster are not to be ignored! Terminal Sleep are travelling all the way from Australia to bless us with their screams, and we managed to catch Venus Grrrls at Leeds Festival last year and they were outstanding. Two bands with long careers ahead of them, and we hope to see them topping festival bills one day. Benefits have been on our radar for a long time as well, a band who work tirelessly, and their efforts are paying off from what we hear, it will be great to watch their set.

2000 Trees 2025 is, as you can tell, going to be an absolute blast. There's genuinely not a bad band or artist on the lineup, something for everyone, and hopefully we'll discover some new music to add to our playlists too. We hope to see you there, and make sure you come back to check out our festival coverage to hear about our experience.