As the eagerly anticipated 2000Trees Festival draws near, we took the opportunity to connect with some of the bands gracing this year’s lineup. This renowned festival, held at the picturesque Upcote Farm, is celebrated for its eclectic mix of emerging and established artists, creating an immersive experience for music lovers.

In part one we caught up with EYES and HIDDEN MOTHERS, two bands set to ignite THE CAVE on Saturday 12th July. We discussed their festival essentials, what they’re most looking forward to, and their plans for the rest of 2025.

What are you most excited for at 2000 trees?

Victor (EYES)  – Playing UK for the first time with EYES! The demand has been there for a while and we’ve been here quite a lot with our other project, LLNN so we know UK goes hard!

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – Other than playing, we can’t wait to see Alexisonfire and Birds In Row! Two bands we are definitely influenced by, so it will be very cool to share an event with them. Other than that, it looks like the weather is going to be fantastic, so just generally watching bands in the sun with loads of mates!

What can people expect from your set?

Victor (EYES) – Being pummelled constantly for about 30 minutes! Also very dumb samples.

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – A surprising amount of energy for 11am. Maybe a special guest at some point? I guess you’ll have to be there. Listen to our album, learn the words, we’ll all have a great time.

Which bands are you most excited to see over the weekend?

Victor (EYES) – Vower and Birds in Row! Never seen Vower, but they slap. Seen Birds in Row a bunch of times but they SLAP!!

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – Apart from the ones mentioned above, we are very excited to see La Dispute, Million Dead, Coheed, Bad Sign, Eyes, Love Is Noise, Employed To Serve, Sparta, and Letlive!

Are there any upcoming bands from your area that people should be checking out?

Victor (EYES) – YUP. Our homies in SYL, the dawgs in Rot Away, his royal goblin St. Digue, Pleaser and SPLIT. Also (always) shoutout Demersal, the Danish skramz kings. And Smertegrænsens Toldere (essentially means CUSTOM OFFICERS OF THE PAIN THRESHOLD. Rad)

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – Nylon, New Ghost, Ba’al and Baosbheinn are all really great, really different examples of why Sheffield is such a great city for alternative music!

What are your plans for the rest of 2025?

Victor (EYES) – Shows here and there! ArcTanGent! We’ll be going on tour next year. Also our record SPINNER is still fresh, go check it out. And watch the video for Moving Day For The Overton Window! It cost us an arm and a leg.

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – Mostly writing, but we are playing in Reading at the end of July, Leeds with Meth and Host Body in August, and Damnation Fest in November! We will also be announcing at least one more headline show before the year is out. Watch this space!

What are your festival essentials? 

Victor (EYES) – Sunscreen, 2-point supported bumbag and a PMA. 

Liam (Hidden Mothers) – Cold drinks, good mates, big riffs, sunscreen

WHERE:
2000trees Festival is located on Upcote Farm, near Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire. GL54 4BL

WHEN:
Wednesday 9th / Thursday 10th / Friday 11th / Saturday 12th July 2025
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2000trees Festival tickets available – HERE