PREVIEW: Truck Festival 2024

Gigs

24 Jul

Beloved, celebrated, and rightfully acclaimed as one of the feel-good festival weekends of the year, Truck Festival is back this weekend, 26-28 July. Bringing together an unforgettable bill across the alt spectrum with forays into the worlds of pop, dance, and even classical music, with such a diverse lineup, it’s no wonder Truck is a shining gem of the summer. It has become a new rite of passage, with many breaking their festival duck at Hill Farm in Oxfordshire.

Some say it's impossible to leave Truck without a smile on your face. With entertainment and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring that every moment is packed with joy and excitement. This year’s lineup is a stellar mix of iconic artists, huge headline favourites, thrilling new waves, and laugh-out-loud silliness unique to Truck. Headlining the festival are Jamie T, Wet Leg, The Streets, and IDLES, with performances from Mouth Culture, Been Stellar, The Snuts, Girl Like That, and Bob Vylan. Each act promises unforgettable performances, making it a must-attend event for music lovers.

We’re especially excited about The Nest Stage on Friday, with the bill curated by two of our all-time favourite record labels, Big Scary Monsters and Alcopop! Records. As expected from these brilliant labels, calling the lineup stacked is an understatement. It features some of our current favourites like The Menstrual Cramps, Problem Patterns, ME REX, cheerbleederz, and Orchards.

With so many great bands performing, navigating the festival lineup can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry—get set for this year's Truck Festival with our day-by-day breakdown.

Thursday

Thursday at Truck Festival 2024 kicks off with an eclectic mix of performances. Jazzcat opens the This Feeling Stage at 16:00, setting a lively tone with their smooth and energetic vibe. Later on the This Feeling Stage, at 20:15 Dirty Blonde are ready to lend a punch of rock energy with their dynamic set. The main Truck Stage comes alive at 18:30 with Ditz, known for their powerful post-punk sounds and intense live performances. The night crescendos with the headlining act, IDLES at 21:00. Their visceral energy and searing social commentary ensure a high-octane start to the festival, making Thursday night an explosive opening to a weekend of fantastic music.

Friday

Friday at Truck Festival 2024 is ALL ABOUT The Nest Stage, curated by Big Scary Monsters and Alcopop! Records. You might just want to grab a folding chair and camp out at the stage all day long, with band after band that we love and have had in heavy rotation on the radio show this year.

Kicking things off at 12:45 are cheerbleederz, one of the hardest-working groups in the UK DIY scene. Last time we caught them live, all three members were pulling double duty. This time, only Pheebs will be doing so, as she'll be playing with ME REX later in the day. Just so you know, a drummer expends as much energy during a live set as a footballer does in a match, so all props go out to her. Expect a set filled to the rafters with infectious harmonies and catchy melodies, all powered by the magic of “frogship”.

Following them at 14:45, The Menstrual Cramps will bring their fierce and unapologetic punk energy to the stage. We were completely gutted to miss the Bristol punks' set at 2000Trees and are looking to make up for that. The band are having a hell of a year both in front of and away from the mic, so expect their set to be one of the festival's must-not-miss performances.

*Don’t miss out on Problem Patterns also on The Nest On Friday. Photo by* *Isla Kerr*

At 15:45, it’s time for one of our all-time favourite bands, ME REX. With this being their last confirmed full band gig this year, it would be criminal to miss their set. Expect to be blown away by an emotionally charged performance with intricate lyrics and expansive soundscapes. If you haven't seen ME REX live, you are in for a treat. The trio are truly all-absorbing, from Rich’s ability to play the synth and bass at the same time, to Pheebs’ brilliantly joyous drumming, to the live wire that is frontperson Myles. Last time we saw them at a festival, Myles ended the set with only one shoe, doing spirals on the floor.

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights at 2000Trees was our interview with Problem Patterns. The Belfast-based punks are a riot to be around in person, and that same level of energy translates to the stage. Expect a riot when they hit the stage at 16:45 with their set of socially conscious punk bangers and their revolving frontperson and instrument duties.

On paper, blending indie-pop with math-rock shouldn’t really work, but at 17:45, Orchards will prove it does. Expect a high-energy performance from a band with so much talent and heart. We’ve been longing to see them live after seeing the pictures Jezz took for us at Portals, and we’re so excited to check them out in the flesh.

Elsewhere, the Truck Stage features Carsick at 14:15, bringing Wiltshire indie punk vibes to the festival's main stage. Lexie Carroll plays on the Market Stage at 14:45, followed by The K's at 19:00 with their energetic set. Newcomer Girl Like That take the V&V Stage at 13:00, if you are looking for a new obsession look no further than GLT. The highlight of the evening is Jamie T’s headlining the Truck Stage at 21:30, promising a set full of anthems like "Sticks N Stones" and "Sheila," making Friday a day not to be missed.

Saturday

Saturday promises an array of performances starting with Mouth Culture on The Nest Stage at 14:45, setting the tone with their engaging rock sound. Folly Group follows at 15:45 with their experimental mix of punk and electronic music. Over on the Market Stage, Been Stellar takes the stage at 14:45, bringing their indie rock energy to the crowd. Sundara Karma are set to lights up the Truck Stage at 16:15 with their anthemic sound, creating an unforgettable festival experience.

At 19:30, Soft Play delivers a high-energy performance, keeping the momentum going strong. The night culminates with the headlining act, Wet Leg, on the Truck Stage at 21:30. Their quirky, irreverent style will enchant the audience with hits like "Chaise Longue," ensuring that Saturday night is one for the books.

Sunday

Sunday begins on a classical note with the Oxford Symphony Orchestra performing on the Truck Stage at 12:00, providing a serene and melodic start to the day and proof that you can start a circle to pretty much anything. The Manatees follow on The Nest Stage at 14:45, delivering their indie rock vibes.

At 15:45, Black Honey energises the Truck Stage with their cinematic rock. Divorce take the stage at 16:45 on the Market Stage, bringing their unique blend of indie and punk sounds. The Snuts follow on the Market Stage at 20:30, bringing their indie anthems to life.

Simultaneously, at 20:30, Bob Vylan will take to The Nest. Known for their powerful fusion of punk and grime, Bob Vylan promises an intense performance. Their music, often politically charged and unapologetically direct, tackles issues such as racism, inequality, and social justice. The duo are having a stellar year off the back of their latest album Humble as the Sun. They have been one of the buzz acts this festival season, and you can expect that to continue with another standout set at Truck.