Truck Festival, held at Hill Farm in Steventon near Abingdon, welcomed up to 30,000 attendees over four vibrant days. The festival delivered an impressive lineup of bands and artists, with indie-rock legends Two Door Cinema Club, alternative pop sensation alt-J, and rock duo Royal Blood headlining the event. Early arrivals on Thursday were treated to a standout performance by The Wombats.
The festival began under sunny skies, creating a cheerful atmosphere for attendees. However, on Saturday, heavy rain transformed parts of the site into muddy terrain. Despite the downpour, the event avoided a repeat of 2017’s challenges when the grounds suffered severe flooding. This year, festival-goers found relief and entertainment in the marquees, which hosted a variety of performances across multiple stages. Sunday brought back the sunshine, allowing a more pleasant conclusion to the festivities.
The crowd enthusiastically embraced numerous performances. Highlights included reggae icon David Rodigan, indie favorites The Lathums and Everything Everything, alternative pop artist Self Esteem, and rock bands such as The Reytons and We Are Scientists. Rising stars like Rachel Chinouriri impressed with her dynamic and uplifting performance, while up-and-coming group The Sheratons packed out a tent curated by This Feeling, a prominent promoter of new talent.
A truly unforgettable moment came from the Clubhouse Allstars, a supergroup formed by Truck Festival founders Robin and Joe Bennett alongside guitarists Dave Banks and Danny George Wilson. Their set, featuring Beatles classics on Sunday night, drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Fitness guru Mr. Motivator also added to the festival’s unique charm, while the Oxford Symphony Orchestra dazzled audiences with renditions of rock, pop, and famous film tracks. Guitarist Nick Fowler of Supergrass fame made appearances across several sets, including a captivating performance with The Dreaming Spires in the beloved Veterans and Virgins tent.
Robin Bennett, co-founder of the festival, expressed pride in the event’s success and acknowledged how the rainy weather had inadvertently attracted more people to enjoy performances under shelter. Furthermore, farmer Alan Binning, owner of the farmland where the festival takes place, made a guest appearance during The Dreaming Spires’ set and reflected on the festival’s journey from a small birthday celebration to its current scale as a 30,000-capacity event. Bennett humorously likened Binning’s contribution to that of Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury Festival.
Even with the unpredictable conditions, organizers praised attendees for their high spirits and commitment to the festival. Luke Hartigan, a drummer from Kennington, remarked that Friday brought great energy, reminiscent of previous years, while Tom Edwards from Oxford shared his excitement for next year’s event, particularly praising the Veterans and Virgins tent as a highlight worth returning for.
With its mesmerizing musical acts, energetic atmosphere, and resilient attendees, Truck Festival has solidified its reputation as a key feature in the UK’s music calendar. Its blend of community spirit and outstanding performances ensures audiences eagerly await its return next year.
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