Nothing beats visiting Hill Farm in Oxfordshire for the amazing Truck Festival every July. This years line up is cracking! Idles headliner the Thursday night, Jamie T on the Friday, Wet Leg on Saturday and The Streets close the weekend on the Sunday.
After attending Truck for over ten years its mad to see how much its grown and the huge array of bands there is to offer. Like always getting into the festival is straight forward, there was barely any queueing to get in. The site layout has been similar for the last few years so it is always easy to navigate on where you need to be. The site is filled with several stages, fairground rides, food and drink stalls, shops and more.
One thing that I have always liked about the festival is the feelgood tent which is all run by locals supplying the hungry festival goers with comforting food in which all proceeds are raised for charity. Alongside this is various other food and drink vendors which serves something for everyone to enjoy.
Over the weekend I got to watch bands that I had seen before and also I got to discover new bands as well. Some of my highlights were Wet Leg, Fat Dog, Mandrake Handshake, English Teacher and Heartworms. Below are some photos of the whole weekend. Truck caters for all ages and is one not to miss. Early bird tickets for 2025 are available to purchase on the Truck site.
Back in 2008 at The Roundhouse in Camden on a Saturday afternoon at Artrocker’s all ages club was the first time that I witnessed the amazing indie rock band Bombay Bicycle Club. I always remember it being a great show and have seen the band grow over the years with becoming more successful in the music industry. They were also the first band that I got to photograph for Artrocker Magazine so they have a special place in my life.
As part of their UK tour they stopped off at Cambridge Corn Exchange on a Saturday night for a sold out show. When attending the show it was great to find refuge from the rain and to see everyone eagerly awaiting for the music. Throughout the night was DJ Chux playing music to entertain the crowd between bands.
Supporting act was Lime Garden who are an indie rock band from Brighton, consisting of members Chloe Howard, Leila Deeley, Tippi Morgan and Annabel Whittle. The band were stood across the front of the stage and performed a selection of songs. Their debut album ‘One More Thing’ is out on the 24th February across all platforms. They are also doing a UK tour in February/March.
The stage was decorated with colourful streamers (like the old ones you hang in doors to stop the flies coming in), balloons and big 3D lights saying ‘MY BIG DAY’.
When Bombay Bicycle Club hit the stage the members entered the stage and frontman Jack came out holding two confetti cannons which he shot out over the audience. First up was ‘Just a Little More Time’ which really got the crowd going. The four members were joined with other musicians playing saxophone, trumpets etc. They were also joined by Olive Jones who was vocalist for songs such as ‘Tekken 2’ and a cover of Selena Gomez’s ‘Lose You To Love You’.
Throughout the evening the band played songs from the new album and back catalogue and also ‘Fantasneeze’ which is a song from their upcoming EP.
Later in the performance the band disappeared leaving Jack to do a solo acoustic version of ‘Dust On The Ground’. The band finish with ‘Shuffle’ which is a fan favourite. Then there is an encore which they come back on stage to finish with two more songs including their most loved song ‘Always Like This’.
Its clear to see that the band love playing music and have really nailed their live sets. It will be great to hopefully see the band again in the near future and look forward to hearing their new EP.
After a reschedule of an October 2023 tour Circa Waves finally kicked off their Underplay UK tour where they played at intimate venues across the country. One of the nights was at legendary Bedford Esquires which is host to hundreds of bands each year showcasing some of the hottest upcoming bands. Circa Waves were supported by rock band Cusp. For each show on the tour the band included a foodbank in which you could donate items too. The show was sold out and was a great night.
JAMIE T, WET LEG, THE STREETS AND IDLES ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINERS OF TRUCK FESTIVAL 2024
THE KOOKS, DECLAN MCKENNA, YARD ACT, HOLLY HUMBERSTONE SEA GIRLS, BLACK HONEY, PEACE, THE SNUTS, SOFT PLAY THE MYSTERINES, SUNDARA KARMA, ENGLISH TEACHER, THE MAGIC GANG, WILLIE J HEALEY, BOB VYLAN, FAT DOG, LIME GARDEN, KATY B, NEWDAD, NIEVE ELLA, ANTONY SZMIEREK, FOLLY GROUP, DIVORCE, THE WYTCHES, THE ROYSTON CLUB BEEN STELLAR, COACH PARTY, THE PIGEON DETECTIVES AND MORE ANNOUNCED IN FIRST WAVE OF NAMES
A FESTIVAL WEEKEND BURSTING WITH CHARACTER: BARIOKE, THE OXFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, MR MOTIVATOR AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS’ FAVOURITE FESTIVAL AN ATMOSPHERE LIKE NO OTHER: COMING TOGETHER FOR A WEEKEND OF INCREDIBLE LIVE MUSIC, LAUGH OUT LOUD FUN AND COUNTLESS NEW MEMORIES
25TH-28TH JULY 2024 HILL FARM, OXFORDSHIRE
PRE-SALE TICKETS ON-SALE FROM 6PM ON THURSDAY 25TH JANUARY GENERAL SALE TICKETS ON-SALE FROM 10AM ON FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY WEEKEND TICKETS STARTING FROM JUST £140 https://truckfestival.com/tickets/
During The Hunna’s tour the band stopped off at Cambridge Junction to perform alongside Band Of Silver and Sick Joy. Our photographer popped down to document the show.
There are still more dates left on the tour so make sure you check them out if you can.
The last time I saw Hugo and Felix White was when they were in The Maccabees. Since splitting back in 2017 they have created a new band called 86TV’s with their brother Will who was in indie rock band Talk Taxis and made a few years appearance with The Maccabees and Jamie Morrison who is Stereophonics drummer. With years of musical experience this new band is sure to bring something amazing to the scene. On their first tour aspartof the Music Venue Trust they stopped off at the rock venue The Six Six bar in Cambridge. Its a small music venue with a capacity of 160. The venue is decorated with old NME covers ,a huge Beavertown mural at the back of the stage and a Motorhead shrine. There is a great selection of drinks and a vegan eatery called The Vegan Witch.
The show was completely sold out which was not surprising have these musical icons visiting. Supporting them was singer songwriter Blair Davie who is from Scotland writes slot of songs about bisexuality, loss and heartbreak but also about the beauty that life can offer. With just a guitar and their voice the audience are wowed. The sound was incredible and their voice was so passionate with every word that they sung. Blair is one who everyone should experience.
After Blairs set everyone was eagerly awaiting for 86TVs to come on stage. The room was getting very hot and sweaty. The room was filled with cheers as the band entered. Felix mentioned to the audience that they were really happy for be performing and that the best thing about playing songs that no one knows is that if they mess up no one will notice. The main vocals were shared between Will and Hugo. Sweat was pouring off the band and all they had to wipe down was a tea towel which Felix joked saying he’s used his 5th of the towel and that the others cant use that section. The whole band were thrilled and so happy to be playing to people after working so hard on their music. They played a total of nine songs with their last song being the single ‘Worn Out Buildings’ which everyone was clapping along too.
After the show the band stood chatting to the audience members and selling merchandise. Hugo said its nice to be starting at the bottom again and working their way up in the music scene again. Their debut album should hopefully be dropping next year which we are all eager to hear. These guys are going to explode onto the music scene and it was great to be part of one of their first shows.
American metal band Trivium are back in the UK for their highly anticipated ‘Goblins & Wizards Tour’. Their first stop is at Cambridge Corn Exchange in where the band have not played the venue since 2007. They also brought along support acts Orbit Culture and Bleed From Within.
Upon arriving the Corn Exchange, the long queue snaked down the side of the venue and right up to the local multi story carpark entrance. The line was filled with plenty of metal heads and rockers. When entering the venue there were two merchandise stands selling various t shirts, hoodies, CDs etc of all three of the nights acts. The bars were full of people eagerly awaiting for the show to start.
First up was Swedish melodic death metal band Orbit Culture. The stage was very dark and hazy and plenty of strobe lighting. The band really got the audience hyped up for more music. The room filled with the roars from Niklas Karlsson who is the frontman of the band.
Next up was Scottish heavy metal band Bleed From Within. The guys were very active on stage jumping around and really getting the crowd going. The lighting was alot more brighter for these guy. There were plenty of mosh pits. The room was steaming up from the heat of the summer time and hot and sweaty people. Security at the front were handing out cups of water to cool the crowd down.
After Bleed From Within had played the stage was getting ready for the band everyone had been waiting for. The huge banner at the back of the stage was revealed with a platform for the drums to be placed on. Two big dragon statues with glowing red eyes were at either side of the stage and then a long platform was all along the front.
With the lights going down Trivium entered and went straight into playing ‘ In The Court Of The Dragon’. Singer Matt Heafy is a brilliant frontman. He is very passionate about his music and also likes to have a lot of fun. Quite often he would stick his tongue out like a devil and head bang. He really stood out with his funky Chinese style jacket and bright yellow trainers. Bassist Paolo unfortunately had to have an operation recently so could not lift anything so he had a bass stand so he could still perform which he must really be thankful for. The band played a variety of songs spanning over their ten albums some even never being played in the UK before so it was a real treat for everyone. There were plenty of mosh pits, death walls, headbanging and jumping during the set. It all ended with the popular song ‘In Waves’ in which Matt got everyone crouched down and then jumping up when the song began. Trivium are a must see band who have so much passion in their music and shows. There is still time to see them at some more UK dates.
Truck Festival is a one of our firm favourites on the festival calander and this years did not disappoint at all. Located on Hill Farm in Oxfordshire the festival offered a huge line up with some of the hottest bands around. Headlining the weekend was The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Alt-J and Royal Blood. Every band who performed put on a cracking performance and put all their energy into their sets. The festival had plenty to offer including food and drink stalls, kids activities, gameshows, yoga, karaoke and more. Unfortunately the weather was a typical British type for a festival. Saturday was a downpour which made the site into a slippery mud bath but that did not dampen any ones spirits.
Our photographer Kane Howie was at the festival to document the weekend. You can see a selection of his images below.
2024 tickets are on sale now and are selling fast! We will definitely be returning for next year!
The picturesque grounds of Hatfield Park welcomed home one of it’s best events of the calendar year. A festival known as ‘Folk By The Oak’. It which showcases some of the best of of the Folk music genre.
The all day Sunday event was packed full of amazing activities for all the family to enjoy.
The Willow Foundation had a stall selling preloved clothes and items which you could grab a bargain from. In one area of the park it featured a large children’s activity space with a climbing wall, story telling, games and even a stall about looking after bees, what a great idea to teach little ones about looking after all inhabitants of our world, no matter what their size.
There were tents filled with handmade crafts with demonstrations in how to make certain things like pot painting, leather work etc. Ideal for anyone who loves a hobby in crafting.
The scents of the huge array of food & beverage vendors filled the air which aromas to suit everyone’s tastebuds.
The site itself had two stages, the Main stage and the Acorn stage showcasing the very best in music.
The first act I was able to see was The Wilderness Yet who performed music full of well written lyrics and showed a very keen interest on wildlife. The band had mentioned they had also worked with a charity to help save the bees who are a vital part of the environment.
On the mainstage were The Longest John’s who sang a lot of folk and sea shanties. They were also very humorous which earned a lot of laughter from audiences.
Back to the Acorn stage which featured Nick Hart, an award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist. He is becoming one of the most acclaimed performers of his generation with his music. On stage was the man himself and a guitar. He really knew how to captivate the audience with his songs.
One of the best acts of the day was This Is The Kit. They had performed twice in the day once of the main stage where they had technical difficulties with some of the instruments but carried on through which was entertaining to watch. They then stepped in to headline the Acorn stage with a different set of songs. It was such a delight to witness both of their sets.
Sona Jobarteh graced us with her set bringing her cultural Gambian sounds. She played the Kora which is a 21 stringed instrument that combines the harp and the lute sound. This was definitely fascinating to watch and the audience participated with the language in the songs and danced along.
Unfortunately the artist most well known for his hit “Cucurucu”, Nick Mulvey had to cancel his set on the main stage due to illness (get well soon Nick!), so the Acorn Stage headliners Cut Capers moved onto the mainstage and put on one hell of a show! The band were displayed so much energy on stage and with a big selection of different instruments. The crowd loved to party to them! They are now a new favourite of mine.
Headlining the night was Folk rock band The Waterboys who put on a great performance which ended with a glittering firework display.
This year’s Folk By The Oak festival was a lot of fun, but yet just so mellow. Perfect for a Sunday out!I very much look forward to attending Folk By The Oak in 2024!
