MUSIC lovers are descending on a South Oxfordshire farm today for the county’s biggest and best celebration of new rock and pop – Truck Festival.
Gracing a site at Hill Farm in Steventon, near Didcot, from today until Sunday, the festival has been a fixture for music lovers since 1998.
And with another stellar line-up ahead, this Truck shows no sign of slowing down.
Highlights are set to include sets by Kasabian, Courteeners, Nothing But Thieves – and cult acts like The Last Dinner Party, Blossoms, Franz Ferdinand, Wunderhorse and Maxïmo Park.
Also up are Reytons, CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), Natasha Bedingfield, Fat Dog, The Big Moon, Sports Team and The Clause.
It opened its gates last night for a special show by cult act Bloc Party.
Started by musician brothers Robin and Joe Bennett – of the bands Goldrush and The Dreaming Spires – as a birthday bash for Robin, it has a proud history of pushing back against the commercialism of larger festivals and instead focusing on the music and upcoming talent.
Robin and Joe have long since passed on the baton, allowing them to focus on, among other things, their eco-friendly Wood Festival near Wallingford – but Truck’s spirit lives on. And the Bennetts keep the good times alive with their own stage dedicated to new (largely local) bands and returning Truck stars.
Their Veterans and Virgins stage remains a little corner of the old Truck Festival loved by generations of Oxfordshire festival-goers and the artists who cut their teeth there.
The Bennett brothers will also provide one of the most eagerly-awaited moments of this year’s festival, when The Dreaming Spires headline the Veterans and Virgins stage on Saturday to launch their new album – a glorious sun-kissed feast of Americana-flavoured country-rock.
Volunteers include members of Didcot Rotary Club, of which farm owner Alan Binning is a member and staunch charity supporter.
Well over £100,000 is raised each year and Truck has donated 38 grants of up to £25,000 to county community projects, such as breastfeeding cafes and Oxfordshire Foster Care Association.
With a line-up featuring some of the country’s biggest and best new artists, Truck Festival is a rock-lover’s dream.
But there’s more to it than just indie bands, with its impressive line-up also boasting stars and rising talent from the worlds of pop, punk, electronica, dance, drum & bass and hip-hop along with hit singer-songwriters and plenty of surprises.
Festival Manager Lily Brimble said the Truck team remained thrilled by the love shown for the festival by its devotees – with demand for tickets higher this year than ever.
She said: “Establishing itself as a definitive weekend in the summer calendar for music lovers, Truck Festival has a stacked line-up that brings together the biggest names in indie and alternative music bursting with laugh-out-loud character.
“Becoming a true rite of passage and indisputably the best value festival ticket of the entire UK season, this weekend looks primed to be a landmark edition that welcomes Truckers into the Good Times – and that’s a guarantee!”
She added: “Witnessing tickets flying out at record speed made us incredibly excited.
“And we have been delighted to unveil new additions to the line-up, showcasing our commitment to making the sort of festival weekend where no matter the time, there’s something 'can’t-miss' just waiting to be discovered.
“That includes our biggest comedy line-up to date headlined by the incomparable Reggie Watts and soundtracking late into the night with our famed Palm City x Switch takeover that sees Songer, High Contrast and Fish56Octagon lead the way.
“With the addition some of the most exciting new artists making a mark in the scene right now – including Courting, Kingfishr, Honeyglaze, The Pill, Westside Cowboy, Brogeal and The Slow Country to name but a few – Truck 2025 is shaping up to be our greatest year to date, with a range of surprises.”
Other must-see names include Lambrini Girls, Alfie Templeman, Lime Garden, Scouting For Girls, Luvcat, Chloe Slater, Daydreamers, Only The Poets, Cardinals, and Moonchild Sanelly.
The Truck team said the weekend would be packed with thrilling attractions alongside the familiar charms which Truckers have grown to love.
They said: “Whether it’s music, comedy or late-night party celebrations, Truck Festival thrives in its variety all pulled together by the spirit of a festival that throws away the outside world and embraces the fun of it all.
“Spanning multiple stages, Truck is once again a festival with its finger firmly on the pulse of the most exciting artists in the indie scene right now.
“With a leading reputation as the go-to destination for the best in new alternative music, Truck’s larger than life village vibe rings true. Perfect for all ages, it’s a moment once a year to gather within a like-minded community in love with the experience of being together for one special weekend
“To open up a mosh-pit in awe of The Oxford Symphony Orchestra, clear away the cobwebs with a Saturday morning workout care of Mr Motivator or joining Shaun Williamson on stage for another epic round of Barrioke.
"To catch your next favourite artist revel in their finest gig to date before jumping into a ridiculous time at the Paint Party. To witness a huge headline moment with your friends before partying into the night. It all comes to life at your favourite artists’ favourite festival.
“Only at Truck.”
