The sunshine is slowly creeping back out after a long winter of indoor gigs, and it won’t be long until we’re back out in the fields and parks of the world seeing our favourite acts live. Truck Festival returns to Oxfordshire once again this year, and is lining up to be a corker of a weekend - running from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th of July. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of a festival and find yourself unsure of which stage you want to be at – if that’s you then we’ve got you covered.

Come the evening, the headliners take to the Truck Stage – strutting their stuff to the adulation of the thirty thousand capacity audience each night. This year shall be no different, with legends of the indie-rock scene Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats slated to be standout sets; we’ll be dancing through their best hits of ‘What You Know’ and ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ respectively. Other major names such as Rizzle Kicks and The Libertines will be essential viewing if you’re looking to fill your weekend with nostalgia-soaked tunes. Relative elder statesmen Primal Scream will be a draw for a slightly older crowd – but stick with them it’ll be a great set!

 

However, Truck Festival is best known for fostering the development of acts in their infancy, giving them a much-needed platform on their way to stardom. If you’re a fan of Hard Life or The Last Dinner Party, both acts have played the smaller stages at Truck in years gone by, so here’s a run through of some essential sets to catch to make the most of your weekend (and maybe snag a ‘I was there at the start!’ moment).

 

CMAT:

Hold on! We know CMAT has been smashing it for a few years, now three albums deep with her most recent project breaking further ground – there’s no limit to where her self-described ‘Euro-Country’ could take CMAT. The Irish singer-songwriter channels inflections of Dolly Parton whilst bringing her own characteristic charm and energy, making her an undeniable ‘must-see’. Side note – it is worth remembering CMAT is performing to those lucky enough to have a Thursday ticket, so if you’re there early, there’s no excuse not to catch her set.

Essential listen: ‘I Don’t Really Care For You’ – The freedom and joy bursting from the song will translate seamlessly from the studio to the field. 

 

Westside Cowboy:

For fans of Black Country, New Road who haven’t seen Westside Cowboy live – now is your chance. Emerging from the thriving Manchester music scene and pioneering their own sound ‘Britanicana’ – Westside Cowboy are resisting the temptation to ride the coattails of post-punk, and are instead forging something new. 

Essential listen: ‘Drunk Surfer’ – It’s quirky, thumping and will bring out the catharsis of being part of a final chorus within of a crowd much bigger than yourself.

 

Finn Forster:

As featured in MITB Issue 002, Finn Forster has been building momentum in the crowded field of singer-songwriters, and Truck Festival will land at the end of his headline UK tour. Backed by a compelling live band which weaves vocal harmonies around a driving rhythm section to create an outstanding performance – this set is definitely one to seek out.

Essential listen: ‘Stay Right Til The End’ – Forster’s belting vocal line on top of an insatiable backing has been a much-appreciated addition to our playlists.

 

Ellie Scougall:

By night, Truck transforms to cater to those amongst us who aren’t quite ready to end the party, and Ellie Scougall will be right in the middle of it all. The DJ and producer has been crafting her own house tunes under the influence of old-school garage tracks and will be sure to bring the energy. If grooving long into the early hours is your thing Scougall’s got the soundtrack for your weekend.

Essential listen: ‘Rinse and Repeat’ is an irresistible dance tune and a classic in the making!

 

Oxford Symphony Orchestra:

Oxford Symphony Orchestra has attained cult hero status amongst Truck regulars so don’t let the name fool you - their set is an essential one to catch. They tend to open the main Truck Stage early in the day, but if you can wander out of your tent in time then you can remedy the ‘early’ start by moshing to a full orchestra blasting through everything from the works of Tchaikovsky to ‘Valerie’ by The Zutons!

 

Amongst the litany of acts taking the stage across the weekend, names such as Daisy Peacock and The Bracknell should attract an engaged crowd and will be worthy of joining your ‘must see’ list. Slated for future headliner status, starlets Keo are another band you should start to plan your weekend around. Whoever you see on the stages across the weekend, Truck Festival curates a fantastic atmosphere that welcomes fans of all ages to enjoy what’s on offer. Whilst we can help you plan which stages you’ll visit and which silent discos you’ll attend, the weather is out of everybody’s hands, so pack accordingly – happy trucking!

 

Joseph Madden

@josephmaddenwriter