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.

We caught up with Haggard Cat and Love Rarely ahead of their sets later this week. Haggard Cat play The Forest Sessions on Wednesday at 14:00 and Love Rarely play the Neu Stage on Saturday at 11:30. 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?

HAGGARD CAT : The now famous Trees atmosphere! It sounds like a cliche, but after years and years of returning to this festival, both as fans but also as performers in various bands there is one constant; 2000 Trees is always the best weekend of the year. It’s a festival by the fans, for the fans – we’ve never known a collective of people so rooted in the joy of live music, it’s truly unique and special to those hallowed grounds at Upcote Farm.

LOVE RARELY : The festival environment. It’s our first big festival slot so playing in front of that many people + meeting so many other bands will be amazing for us

• What can people expect from your set?

HAGGARD CAT : We’ve had a few years of being away from our usual rigorous touring schedule now to truly focus on the next step for Haggard Cat. We officially wrapped on our new album earlier this year and although the absence was necessary to find our way to this new album; we’ve missed the space that we embody as live musicians; it’s such a huge part of our band’s identity. This show is the comeback for us, so the energy is going to be unbridled, plus we’re going to tease out a couple of the new songs for the very first time, which is filling us with nervous excitement!

LOVE RARELY : Quiet and then loud and then quiet again and then some twinkly mathy riffs + grooves.

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

HAGGARD CAT : There’s some huge influences of ours over the weekend this year. We’re big Falco fans, so to get both Mclusky and Future of the Left in one weekend is absolutely HUGE. When Tom and I first met, we bonded over our love for Million Dead, Tom was lucky enough to see them in Rock City basement, but I always assumed I’d never get to watch them live; so seeing them get back together will be another massive bucket list band for me. We’ve also both been really into the new Coilguns record and haven’t got to see those guys yet, so really looking forward to their set!

LOVE RARELY : Coheed, kaonashi, anxious, Alexis, hail the sun, split chain, love is noise, oversize, calva Louise, la dispute, heriot

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

HAGGARD CAT : Yes! There’s a few hometown heroes on there this year. As December Falls are absolutely dominating at the minute, so I’m looking forward to seeing them at the top of their game. Also Girlband are making their Trees debut which I’m excited for!

LOVE RARELY : Blight town, mouth culture, crowquill, artio, beauty school

• What are your plans for the rest of the year?

HAGGARD CAT : As I alluded to earlier, the album is done! So we’re doing a lot of prepping for releasing that into the wild. It’s been in the works now for so long that we’re so incredibly excited for people to hear it, we think it could surprise a few people! There’s also talk of a few more live appearances before the year is out…

LOVE RARELY : To finish our debut album

• What are your festival essentials?

HAGGARD CAT : I’ve been trying to instigate this one for years… so it’s not exactly an essential (yet), but all I’m saying is a few sheets of tarp, some washing up liquid and a hose and we could make a pretty impressive slip and slide down the hill of the guest camp.

LOVE RARELY : Water, earplugs, vegan food, deodorant, nintendo switch

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